New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) In a first, the full version of “Vande Mataram”, recently accorded the same legal protection as the national anthem, was played ahead of and at the conclusion of President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day on Friday.
The rendition of the national song was followed by the national anthem.
In her address, the President recalled the pivotal role played by the national song during India’s freedom struggle.
“During our freedom struggle, people with diverse ideologies were united by one common goal – India’s independence. During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses,” she said.
Paying tributes to the leaders of the independence movement, President Murmu said, “Countless Indians plunged themselves into our freedom struggle under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar embodied the highest ideals of social reform and patriotism. I humbly bow to all those great sons and daughters of Bharat Mata whose ideals guided our country to its freedom and its progress thereafter.” The President on Tuesday gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which grants “Vande Mataram” the same legal status as the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”.
The Bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on July 29 before being passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30.
Under the amended law, intentionally disrupting or preventing the singing of “Vande Mataram” is a criminal offence punishable with up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Repeat convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. Previously, these penalties applied exclusively to offences involving the national anthem.
The Union Home Ministry has also said that for the first time during the official Independence Day celebrations, “Vande Mataram” will be sung from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort. PTI SKL DIV DIV
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