As has been the university tradition,Vande Mataram is played before the beginning of every senate meeting. However, today the proceedings began at around 11 am without the rendition of the song. At around 11.30 am, Senate member Amarjit Manhas drew the attention of the house towards the mistake. Realising the folly, VC Dr Snehalata Deshmukh immediately apologised on behalf of the university. She also thanked Manhas for bringing it to her notice.

The Senate proceedings were then stopped for a few minutes and an audio cassette ofVande Mataram was played. Manhas said, ``The sacred words Vande Mataram have at times been the last words on the lips of our freedom fighters who were sent to the gallows. The least our varsity can do is to respect their deeds by playing thesong.''

Manhas said on December 4, 1992, Senate member Dilip Karande had moved a motion that all Senate meetings should begin withVande Mataram. Ever since it has been a regular practice to play or sing the song before the Senate.

This wasn't the only bloomer. Another Senate member R J Gujarathi missed taking the name of prominent freedom fighter Madame Bhikaiji Rustom Cama, while proposing an additional grant of Rs 30 lakh for the construction of the women's hostel officially named as Madame Bhikaiji Rustom Cama Girls' Hostel. Gujarati only mentioned it as the girl's hostel, earning the ire of another senate member, Dr Nawaz Mody.

The vice-chancellor once again saved the situation and directed Gujarathi to take the full name of the proposed hostel, which is to be built at Backbay Reclamation.

Thankfully, though, at the end of the day the Senate did not forget to play the national anthem.