Students Remain Seated During ‘Vande Mataram’ at Nagaland University Convocation

Kohima, March 8, KNT: Some students at Nagaland University were seen remaining seated while the national song “Vande Mataram” was played during the university’s 8th Convocation held at Lumami on Friday.

The convocation ceremony was attended by the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, who was the chief guest at the event.

Radhakrishnan is currently on his first official visit to the northeastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura from March 6 to March 8.

During the ceremony, a section of students present at the venue was observed remaining seated when the national song was played.

The development comes amid an ongoing debate in Nagaland regarding the compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” at official events.

The issue has also been discussed in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly following a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the playing of the national anthem and national song at official functions.

Several organizations in the state have expressed reservations about the inclusion of the song in official ceremonies.

These organizations include the Naga Students’ Federation, the Naga Peoples’ Front, an ally of BJP and some church bodies.

They have cited cultural and religious concerns while opposing the move and have referred to the constitutional protections granted to the state under Article 371A of the Constitution of India.

According to the organisations, the provision safeguards the religious beliefs and customary practices of the people of Nagaland.

They argue that making the national song compulsory could conflict with these constitutional protections.

Authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the conduct of the students during the convocation ceremony. [KNT]