India issues protocol for singing Vande Mataram before national anthem

The Indian government has mandated that a six-stanza, 3-minute, 10-second version of Vande Mataram, the national song, be played or sung at official events, including during the unfurling of the national flag, and functions where the president and state governors are presiding.

- Nithin Belle [e-mail]

"Whenever the official version of the national song is sung, or played, the audience shall stand to attention," said a note by the Home Ministry. "However, when in the course of a newsreel or documentary the national song is played as a part of the film, it is not expected of the audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of