Amid the ongoing controversy in Kerala over the Centre’s communication on the recital of the full version of Vande Mataram, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has directed states to organise various activities as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga (HGT) campaign, including singing of the national song at all child care institutions.
The HGT campaign is being observed across the country from August 9 to 17. The issue gained attention in Kerala after Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha forwarded a communication from the Ministry of Culture stating that physical celebrations should combine collective singing of Vande Mataram with hoisting of the National Flag, while also following the Centre’s instructions on its recital.
Officials, however, described the matter as a technical issue and said celebrations should follow the existing General Administration Department guidelines. The GAD circular on Independence Day celebrations does not specifically mention Vande Mataram, creating some ambiguity over the protocol. Ministers have maintained that only the two adopted stanzas would be sung.
The latest Centre directive lists collective singing among the activities but does not clarify whether all six stanzas or only the two adopted by the Constituent Assembly are to be rendered.
For more updates from Kerala and across the UAE, stay tuned to Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan also avoided giving a clear answer on the state’s position during a press conference on Thursday. He said the government’s stand would become clear on Independence Day, adding that the Chief Secretary had only forwarded the Centre’s communication to the LSGD Secretary.
The controversy comes two days after the President gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which brings Vande Mataram under the scope of penal provisions of the 1971 law along with the National Anthem. The amended provisions allow imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both for intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or National Song, or disrupting an assembly engaged in such singing.
