National Anthem vs National Song
A Constitutional Distinction
India recognises two distinct national compositions: "Jana Gana Mana" as the National Anthem and "Vande Mataram" as the National Song, a distinction clarified by the Constituent Assembly rather than by any single constitutional article.
- On 24 January 1950, the President of the Constituent Assembly (in his capacity presiding over the Assembly) made a statement according "Jana Gana Mana" status as the National Anthem, and stating that "Vande Mataram," which had a great historical role in the freedom struggle, would be honoured equally as the National Song
- Neither composition is named in the constitutional text itself; their status rests on this 1950 Constituent Assembly pronouncement and subsequent convention and government guidelines
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (via Rashtrapati Bhavan communications and subsequent guidelines) has periodically issued directions on occasions for rendition of both compositions
● Tracked since May 05, 2026 · last seen July 29, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
See it in today’s brief.
Daily current affairs with every static concept explained in place.
Read the daily brief