New Delhi: In a bid to spread patriotic fervour, Defence Minister George Fernandes wants the National Anthem to be sung by everyone at public functions rather than the song being mechanically heard in rapt attention.

"We need to sing our national anthem instead of mechanically listening to it in silence and paying lip service," said Fernandes in New Delhi on January 8.

He made these remarks when he returned to the dais after concluding his speech at a function to award Defence scientists.

The Minister's remarks had an instant effect when the USI auditorium reverberated with strains of "Jana Gana Mana..." after the assembled distinguished audience that included several serving and retired Defence personnel sang the anthem in unison.

PTI