Vande Mataram Played in Lok Sabha for First Time
The Lok Sabha opened proceedings with the full rendition of Vande Mataram for the first time on Thursday, August 13, as Parliament’s Monsoon Session came to an end. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were present in the House.
Vande Mataram Played in Lok Sabha
All six stanzas of the National Song were played at the start of the Lok Sabha sitting.
The House was later adjourned sine die, formally bringing the Monsoon Session to a close.
The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die with Vande Mataram, giving the National Song a prominent place in the closing proceedings of both Houses of Parliament.
New Law Protects Vande Mataram
The development comes days after President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to legislation extending statutory protection to Vande Mataram.
The amended law makes intentional prevention or disruption of the singing of the National Song punishable.
The government has also issued separate protocols governing the rendition of Vande Mataram at designated official functions.
Monsoon Session Ends After Disruptions
The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, witnessed repeated disruptions and confrontations between the government and the Opposition over several political issues.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not deliver the customary valedictory address detailing the House’s productivity before adjournment.
The final day also saw rival protests by BJP and Opposition MPs within the Parliament complex, reflecting the political divisions that marked much of the session.
