Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed a significant protocol breach in Thane after an unofficial rendition of Vande Mataram was played at a government event, underscoring the critical need for strict adherence to national song guidelines.
Key Points
- Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde attended an event where an unofficial Vande Mataram rendition was played.
- A private album track by legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, not the Parliament-approved national song, was mistakenly used.
- Shinde emphasised the importance of playing only the official Vande Mataram at public functions.
- The incident highlights the need for strict adherence to national song protocols to preserve its sanctity.
- Organisers were advised to be vigilant and ensure correct renditions are used at all public programmes.
In a faux pas, a Hindi song sung by Lata Mangeshkar with reference to Vande Mataram instead of the official version of the national song was played at a government event attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane.
A video clip of the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, went viral on social media.
The event was organised in Thane city to mark the conclusion of the Marathi language course campaign for cab and auto-rickshaw drivers, where certificates were distributed to the successful participants hailing from non-Marathi background.
At the beginning of the function, a private album track sung by legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar with Vande Mataram refrain was played over the sound system instead of the official national song.
Deputy CM Shinde's Directive On National Song Protocol
Speaking at the end of the function, Shinde called upon event organisers to strictly ensure that the official version and the rendition of Vande Mataram approved by Parliament be played at public programmes.
He said the version of Vande Mataram played at the particular event was not in the style and form approved by Parliament.
Highlighting the need to preserve the sanctity and uniform protocol of the national song, the deputy CM advised the organisers to remain vigilant and ensure that only the official, Parliament-sanctioned rendition of Vande Mataram is played.
