Embarrassed by the inept mistakes in rendering the national anthem at a function attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari in Thiruvanathapuram this week, the Kerala Government has sought explanation from the organisers of the event.

The General Administration Department has sought an explanation from Sree Narayana Dharma Samithi, the organisers of the event, official sources said in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

At the event held on Tuesday, the first Sree Narayana Guru Global Secular and Peace Award was presented to Union Minister Shashi Tharoor by Ansari at the University Senate Hall here.

The national anthem was rendered by a member of the Samithi with mistakes and also certain remarks about Mr. Ansari by the compere, G. S. Pradeep, a TV anchor, caused embarrassment to the audience and to the dignitaries present, which included Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Governor Nikil Kumar.

However, when asked about the incident, Mr. Chandy said he did not know if there was any protocol violation. “It is not possible for everybody to sing in the same way. How will it look if I start singing?” he added.