For the first time in the history of Indian cricket, national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was played before the national anthem on Sunday, during the first T20I between India and Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The incident took place shortly after the coin toss as both teams lined up for the pre-match proceedings.
India’s national song ” was played first, followed by the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and followed by Afghanistan’s national anthem. This is an away series for India, with designated as the official home side despite the matches being played in Delhi.
Since this is the first time played on a sporting arena, it would be interesting to find out whether both the national anthem and national song are sung at the upcoming ICC events.
For fans, the development came as a moment of pride as several took to the social media to express their happiness. “Pure goosebumps in the stadium! echoing through the stands before the #IndvAfg clash—absolute masterclass in detailing by BCCI!” a fan wrote on X.
“Vande Mataram before National Anthem in AFG vs IND 1st T20I. This is the first time this has happened in international cricket,” another user stated. “Glory to mother india,” another wrote.
As per the directive of the Union Home Ministry, all six stanzas were played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as both national anthem (52 seconds) and national song (3 minutes and 10 seconds) taking a total of 4 minutes and two seconds. On February 6, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines governing the rendition of Vande Mataram as part of the 150th-anniversary commemorations of the national song.
The guidelines prescribed an official rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds and required everyone present to stand with attention while the song was being played. They also approved the rendition of the complete six-stanza version at formal government functions attended by the President or Governors, before and after presidential addresses broadcast on radio and television, when the National Flag is brought on parade, and on other similar occasions.
The first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ were chosen as the national song in 1937 by the Indian National Congress while the Constituent Assembly of India recognized it as the ‘National Song’ since 1950.
However, the whole issue got a political colour as main Opposition party Congress opposed the playing of all six stanzas. “What is the point of this without any reason? Will it create employment? Will it make the Indian team stronger? Or will it help us gain an advantage in science and technology, where we are far behind?” questioned Congress leader Udit Raj.
“Our exports are down, and the debt of this country is increasing so much. What about the problems of Gen Z? There are severe problems. Will this solve them? They are only trying to create a narrative,” he added.
