New Delhi, Aug 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands for 'Vande Mataram' before the proceedings of the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Giriraj Singh, and Pralhad Joshi; Union MoS Jitendra Singh; and Union MoS (I/C) Arjun Ram Meghwal present. (Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab)
The Lok Sabha concluded its Monsoon Session on August 13 with the full version of Vande Mataram being recited in the House. The recitation came immediately before the House was adjourned sine die, bringing an end to a session marked by repeated disruptions and sharp exchanges between the government and Opposition.
The House witnessed disruptions at the beginning of the proceedings, with Opposition MPs raising slogans and displaying placards while seeking answers from the government.
As the disruptions continued, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to maintain order and asked MPs to stand for the National Song.
The 3.10-minute-long full version of Vande Mataram was then recited in the House. Members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches stood during the recitation, with several MPs also joining in the singing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were present in the House during the recitation.
The full recitation assumes significance as it comes after Parliament passed legislation providing Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the National Anthem.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament last month, received Presidential assent, bringing the provisions into force.
The legislation provides statutory protection to Vande Mataram alongside Jana Gana Mana. Violations of the provisions can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The development also follows Home Ministry guidelines issued in February, under which all six stanzas of Vande Mataram are to be recited at official functions and gatherings, with protocols similar to those applicable to the National Anthem.
The recitation came against the backdrop of a contentious Monsoon Session that ran from July 20 to August 13.
Proceedings were repeatedly disrupted as the government and Opposition clashed over several issues, limiting the time available for legislative business.
The Opposition had particularly raised concerns over the government’s handling of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, which was passed last month to address cheating and paper leaks.
Despite the disruptions, the Lok Sabha passed several key measures, including the NEET Amendment Bill and taxation-related legislation. The House also referred the recommendation on the FCRA amendment bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination.
The recitation of the complete Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha after the new law came into force gives added significance to the closing moments of the Monsoon Session.
With the National Song now enjoying statutory protection on par with the National Anthem, its full rendition in Parliament marked a notable conclusion to a session otherwise dominated by political confrontation and disruptions.
