Naga student body opposes Centre’s directive on Vande Mataram in schools

The Naga Students' Federation (NSF), a prominent student organization of the northeast, has strongly opposed the recent orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stating that the Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, must be sung or played before the National Anthem at official functions and the same rule should be followed by schools.

"The order that sets down a strict order of precedence and, importantly, extends it to schools, is an imposition that disregards the historical, political, and cultural realities of the Naga people." While NSF is aware of the constitutional framework of the Indian State, including Article 51A(a), we categorically assert that no authority can compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga homeland in a manner that disregards our unique history and identity,” the NSF said in a release issued on Friday.

The Union home ministry, in a 10-page order issued on January 28, mandated that a six-stanza-long, 3 minutes and 10 seconds version of Vande Mataram be played or sung at a raft of official occasions, including during the unfurling of the Tricolour, arrival of the President at events, before and after her speeches and addresses to the nation, and before and after the arrival and speeches of governors. The ministry note also gives a list of events and places where the song may be played, including in school assemblies.

“In all schools, the day’s work may begin with community singing of the national song. School authorities should make adequate provision in their programmes for popularising the singing of the national song, national anthem and promoting respect for the national flag among students,” the order said.

The NSF maintained that the Centre’s specific instruction that the day’s work in schools may begin with the community singing of Vande Mataram, coupled with directions to "popularize" the National Song and National Anthem, is concerning.

The statement said: "The NSF formally cautions against holding any such activities that compel the singing or playing of Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana in schools throughout the Naga homeland."

It appealed to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) for not publishing any circulars, notifications, or instructions that enforce this protocol within the board's jurisdiction.

Also, the federation warned school managements and officials that if such instructions go up to them to be implemented, they should not do it neither in letter nor in spirit just by passing the stakeholders and without understanding the local situation.