History in Making: Full Vande Mataram to Be Sung at Red Fort on 80th Independence DayFor the first time in the history of India, the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15 will winess the full singing of Vande Mataram, following the assent of President Draupadi Murmu to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Vande Mataram’s Historic Red Fort MomentThe full singing of Vande Mataram at the Red Fort assumes significance as it marks a new chapter in the country’s Independence Day traditions. Law Does Not Make Singing of Vande Mataram MandatoryThe new legislation does not make singing Vande Mataram compulsory for citizens, schools or institutions. The Constituent Assembly officially adopted Vande Mataram as India’s National Song on January 24, 1950. The Supreme Court had earlier declined to entertain a petition challenging such guidelines, observing that no punishment was prescribed for not singing Vande Mataram.