The Nagaland Transparency, Public Rights Advocacy and Direct-Action Organisation (NTPRADAO) has expressed strong opposition to the singing of Vande Mataram at official events and inside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, calling the practice “inimical and totally alien to Naga ethos and culture.”
In an official statement, the organization emphasized, “As Christians, we believe in following Jesus Christ in body, spirit, and practices. Accepting anything else is non-negotiable for our faith.”
While acknowledging the song’s patriotic connotations, NTPRADAO pointed out that Vande Mataram “essentially worships Hindu goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, conflicting with our Christian beliefs.”
The organization also condemned Temjen Imna Along for defending the singing of the song in the Assembly. “We express great displeasure and strongly condemn Temjen Imna Along for defending Vande Mataram in the Assembly,” the statement read.
At the same time, NTPRADAO appreciated legislators who opposed the usage of the song “with full Christian conviction and unabashed sincerity.”
The organization concluded with an appeal to the Government of India to “respect Nagaland’s unique rights, Christian faith, and socio-cultural ethos, aligning with India’s ‘unity in diversity’ principles and federal structure.”
The statement was signed by Zuchamo Patton, Vice President, and Ikato Sumi, Secretary General of NTPRADAO.
