Vande Mataram skipped at State-level Independence Day function in Kerala
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan hoisted the national flag at the State-level Independence Day function at Central Stadium, and the ceremony was followed by the national anthem
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala decided to skip the national song Vande Mataram during the State-level Independence Day function held at the Central Stadium on Saturday. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan hoisted the national flag, and the ceremony concluded with the singing of the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The circular issued by the State government on Friday stated that only the national anthem should be recited during the function. However, the Central government's circular, forwarded by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, had initially mandated the full rendition of Vande Mataram as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. Vande Mataram was sung in its entirety at a BJP-run event in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, without the presence of opposition councillors.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly, where Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan hoisted the flag and paid respects to national leaders' statues, did not skip the song. State Election Commissioner N. Seshadrinathan emphasized the importance of keeping the youth away from narcotics and urged government employees to maintain public spaces free of corruption during the celebrations held at the State Election Commission.
A Sainik School in Kazhakuttam also observed the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign by spreading awareness about the national flag and its significance.
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