The National Anthem and the National Song of India are both significant symbols of the country’s pride and heritage, but they serve different purposes and have distinct histories. Here is a breakdown of the difference between the National Anthem and the National Song of India:

Difference Between National Anthem and National Song

National Anthem	National Song
1. The National Anthem of India is ‘Jana Gana Mana’.	1. The National Song of India is ‘Vande Mataram’
2. The National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911.	2. The National Song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1870s.
3. National Anthem will have a particular pronunciation, specific tune and specified timings, which must be followed by everyone those who are singing.	2. The National Song will vary depending on the language and other cultural factors.
4. It was adopted on January 24, 1950.	4. The National Song was also adopted on January 24, 1950.
5. It was originally composed in Bengali (later translated in Hindi).	5. It was originally written in Sanskrit and Bengali.
6. The National Anthem represents Unity, Diversity and Integrity of India.	6. The National Song invokes patriotism and reverence for the Motherland.
7. As per Article 51A of the Constitution of India, honoring the National anthem is one of the fundamental duties of a citizen of India.	7. The National Song does not have such constitutional privileges were honoring it is listed as an essential duty of a citizen of India.
8. It takes around 52 seconds to sing.	8. It has no specific duration specified.
9. People first sang it publicly on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.	9. The National Song was first sing in public in 1896 at the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta by Rabindranath Tagore.
10. The National Anthem, in its five stanzas, praises the unity, diversity, and integrity of India.	10. “Vande Mataram” translates to “I bow to thee, Mother” and is an ode to Mother India.

Why Jana Gana Mana is National Anthem

The choice to make “Jana Gana Mana” as the National Anthem is because of its secular, inclusive nature and the emphasis on national unity which ensures that all communities in India must accept it. The government designated “Vande Mataram” as the National Song to preserve its historical importance and role in the independence movement while acknowledging its limitations in universal applicability due to its religious connotations.

This dual recognition allows India to honor both songs that is “Jana Gana Mana” as the anthem as it symbolizes the unity and diversity of the nation, and “Vande Mataram” as a song that evokes deep patriotism and respect for the country’s journey toward independence.

Conclusion

Both “Jana Gana Mana” and “Vande Mataram” hold immense importance in India’s cultural and historical heritage; however, their roles and recognition, nevertheless, differ significantly. Jana Gana Mana serves as the National Anthem which symbolizes national unity. Indians revere “Vande Mataram,” the National Song, for its historical significance in the independence movement and its power to evoke patriotic feelings. We should respect both and cherish symbols of India’s pride.