President Assents to Vande Mataram Bill

President Draupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Vande Mataram Bill, granting the song the same legal protection as the National Anthem of India, according to reporting by the Hindustan Times. This legislative move elevates the legal status of the song, ensuring that insults or desecration of Vande Mataram carry the same legal penalties as those applied to the National Anthem.

The presidential assent arrives as the Indian government prepares for the 80th Independence Day celebrations. The legislation establishes a statutory framework to protect the dignity of the song, mirroring the protections already afforded to Jana Gana Mana.

Vande Mataram to be sung from Red Fort ramparts

For the first time, Vande Mataram will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations, according to The Hindu and The Times of India. This change in protocol integrates the song into the primary ceremonial sequence of the national holiday.

The government is also adjusting the composition of the celebrations to include more youth. The Hindu reports that Generation Z will receive greater representation in the 2026 festivities, aligning with a broader push to involve younger citizens in national ceremonies.

Commemorating 150 Years of Vande Mataram

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations will center on two primary themes: the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the concept of ‘Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047’, according to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

The Defence Secretary confirmed that the 150-year milestone of the song will be a major highlight of the 80th Independence Day event, as reported by News On AIR.

Political context and parliamentary activity

The Times of India reports that the Congress party has established three non-negotiable demands for parliamentary proceedings, though these specific demands are distinct from the passage of the Vande Mataram Bill.

The bill’s passage and subsequent assent by President Murmu finalize the process of giving the song a legal shield. Under the new law, any act intended to bring hatred or contempt toward Vande Mataram will be treated as a legal offense equivalent to the disrespect of the National Anthem.