Decoding the National Anthem Controversy

  • January 7, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Decoding the National Anthem Controversy

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

  • The TN Raj Bhavan has alleged that “the Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.” As per convention, the State anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, is played at the beginning of the Governor’s address, and the national anthem is played at the end of the address.

About the National Anthem

Composition:

  • ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ India’s national anthem, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.
  • It was first sung on December 27, 1911, during the Indian National Congress session in Kolkata.

Adoption:

  • The anthem was officially adopted on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly of India.
  • The Hindi version includes only the first stanza of Tagore’s original five-stanza poem.
  • The official duration is 52 seconds when sung or played in full.

Constitutional Provisions Regarding the National Anthem

Fundamental Duty (Article 51A(a)):

  • It is the duty of every citizen to respect the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem.
  • While the Constitution does not prescribe specific rules for singing or playing the anthem, such details are governed by statutes and guidelines.

Occasions for Playing the National Anthem

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the full version of the national anthem shall be played during:

  • Civil and Military Investitures
  • National Salute: When the command “Rashtriya Salute – Salami Shastr” is given on ceremonial occasions to the President, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor.
  • Parades: Regardless of whether the dignitaries mentioned above are present.
  • Arrival and Departure of the President: At formal state functions and government-organized events.
  • Presidential Address: Before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio.
  • Arrival and Departure of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor: At formal state functions.
  • During Parade Events: When the national flag or regimental colors are presented.
  • Naval Ceremonies: During the hoisting of colours in the Navy.

Code of Conduct for Singing the National Anthem

Standing at Attention:

  • Everyone present should stand at attention when the anthem is played or sung.
  • Exceptions are made for persons with disabilities.

Newsreels or Documentaries:

  • The audience is not required to stand when the anthem is part of a newsreel or documentary.

Shortened Version:

  •  A version lasting approximately 20 seconds is allowed for ceremonial purposes.

Legal Safeguards

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971:

  • Intentionally skipping the anthem or disturbing an assembly engaged in its singing is punishable with imprisonment (up to three years), a fine, or both.

About Tamil Thai Vazhthu

  • Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Invocation to Mother Tamil) is the State Anthem of Tamil Nadu. – Composition:
  • The song was written by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, a Tamil scholar and writer.
  • It is part of the prologue to his 1891 Tamil drama, Manonmaniam.

Official Recognition:

  • In 2021, the Tamil Nadu government declared Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the State Anthem, mandating that everyone present should stand while it is sung, except for those with disabilities.
Decoding the National Anthem Controversy Polity