In a move likely to spark debate, the government on Wednesday issued new guidelines mandating the rendition of all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram at government events and schools.Until now, only the first two stanzas were played, while the remaining stanzas, which include references to Goddess Durga, were omitted. The new rules stipulate that the song should be played before the national anthem at schools, government functions, and official events, and must be rendered while standing.The guidelines also direct the song to be played at civilian award ceremonies and during the arrival and departure of the President. Cinema halls are required to play the song as well, though not in a standing position.Officials described the move as part of efforts to reclaim what they term national heritage.The announcement comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on November 7, 2025, marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, criticised former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for dropping significant stanzas of the song in 1937 to appease Muslim communities. PM Modi linked the Congress’s decision to adopt only the first two stanzas with the eventual Partition of India.“The spirit of Vande Mataram illuminated the nation during the freedom struggle. But in 1937, significant verses of the song — its very soul — were removed. This division sowed the seeds of Partition,” Modi said.“Today’s generation must understand this history because the same divisive mindset continues to pose a challenge to the nation even today.”The Prime Minister’s remarks were made while reciting the full poem, including the stanzas dropped in 1937. He was referring to the October 29, 1937, Congress Working Committee resolution, which had adopted only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, omitting those containing salutations to Goddess Durga.The government is also inaugurating a year-long commemoration of 150 years of the national song, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875.