Vande Mataram To Be Played Before National Anthem, New Rules Trigger Political Row

'Vande Mataram', the national song, must be played  before the national anthem, i.e., 'Jana, Gana, Mana' at all government events and in all schools, the Union Home Ministry said in new rules issued Wednesday morning. The new rules also require all persons to stand when 'Vande Mataram' is played. The national song must now also be played at civilian awards ceremonies, like the Padma awards, and all other events attended by the President, during their arrival and departure. It will also be played in public spaces like cinema halls, though standing up is not mandatory in this instance. And all six stanzas, including the four removed by the Congress in 1937, will be played.