Development comes amid ongoing debate in Nagaland following MHA directive on playing of the National song
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, March 6.
The convocation ceremony was attended by CP Radhakrishnan, the Vice President of India, who graced the event as the chief guest. Radhakrishnan is on his first official visit to the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura from March 6 to 8, 2026.
During the convocation ceremony, some students were observed remaining seated when the song was played.
The development comes amid an ongoing debate in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly over the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram, following discussions around a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India regarding the playing of the song and the national anthem at official functions.
ALSO READ | NPF urges Centre to respect Nagaland’s secular identity, opposes Vande Mataram
Several organisations in the state, including the Naga Students’ Federation, the Naga Peoples’ Front – an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and church bodies, have expressed opposition to its inclusion, citing cultural and religious concerns linked to the constitutional protections provided under Article 371A of the Constitution of India.
Organisations have argued that the national song “contradicts the special provisions under Article 371A of the Constitution of India which safeguard the religious beliefs and customary practices of the people of Nagaland.”
Nagaland is in India .
Reflects on the low culture of the concerned &’ lack of patriotism .
It is somewhat a norm here in India — stay here , eat here & spit in the same plate .
This happens only in India .
We know Nagaland is part of India. However, history is more complex than simply drawing borders on a map. Many Nagas believe that decisions about their political future were made without their full consent. Instead of insulting our culture or questioning our patriotism, it would be better to understand the historical background and perspectives of the Naga people.
Pls feel to elaborate with full facts
Unlike the National Anthem, the National Song (“Vande Mataram”) is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. The respect of the National Anthem is legally mandated under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Constitution mentions only the National Flag and National Anthem, not the National Song. It is not covered under The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, meaning there is no legal penalty for not singing it. While the 1937 Congress recommendation suggested using only the first two stanzas to avoid religious conflict, a 2026 Ministry of Home Affairs protocol suggests using all 6 stanza. As long as we sit with respect we are not in violation or showing disrespect to anything. The full song violates secular principles and freedom of religion (Article 25 of the Constitution), as some religious groups find the imagery of bowing to the nation as a deity unacceptable. There are already opposition to the MHA circular which mandates singing of this song during functions in jamu and Kashmir as well as in many north eastern states. So this must be known before any comment is made.
When it’s about Govt money we are indians….
Stop all schemes and govt funds for all anti nationals…..
When it’s about Govt money we are indians….
Stop all schemes and govt funds for all anti nationals…..
The govt.duly elected with the votes of the people irrespective of caste and creed should adopt such an amendment or introduction free and fair for all sections,communities and even those living understimated.
They did not sit when the National Anthem was being sung were they? So what’s the big fuss all about? People should stop nitpicking. This is the cheap narrow-minded -ness of the average Indian. Missing the woods for the trees. There are bigger things at stake in the country. Try to solve those existential threats.
Baat kisi insan ki nahi ye hamare desh ki baat h aur jo log isse chhoti baat samjhate h wo jaye kisi aur desh m rahkar aaye unko pata chal jayega ki bharat hamara kitna lok priya desh aur iske samman k liye hum chup nahi rah sakte
Once a gaddar always will be a gaddar, funded by China and ISI.
Meanwhile look at the patriotism of Arunachal Pradesh people, no Naga can withstand before them.
Is this a debatable issue? Will this reflects in development of country? Stop all this and think and talk which helps in the development of country.
Very true
They should not have changed the secular ethos of the song.
By adding their goddess they’re trying to say it’s Hindu land not bharat mata.
N that big fuss in parliament over that song shows how Brahmins just bend over backwards. It’s sanskrit song n has nothing to do for patriotism. Good for Nagaland.
What patriotism has to do with standing sor the national sing. It should be in our heart. Our PM salutes the Israel National Flag. Are you ready to accept his patriotism towards Israel?
Thought like any other country,there is only one National Anthem and not songs added later ,to demand standing ovation.
Bande Mataram is a patriotic song written by Bakim Chandra Chattopadhya. This song after some editing recommended by a committee comprising of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,Nehru & Maulana Abul Kalam Ajad and advised by Rabindranath Tagore used to be sung in the meetings and conferences of Indian National Congress(INC). During those days RSS had boycotted this patriotic song and this boycot continued for a pretty long time.
Subsequently as entrusted by INC, Tagore composed the National Anthem for India which we sing now.
With full respect to Bande Mataram, I like to opine that the recent instruction of the MHA to compulsorily sing this song before the National Anthem is nothing but a blatant and conscious insult of our Jatiya Sangit which is unacceptable.
In addition,such a divisive step before Bengal’s election does not appear to be a very inncent step.
Don’t spread your dirty thoughts among the people.
The govt.duly elected with the votes of the people irrespective of caste and creed should adopt such an amendment or introduction free and fair for all sections,communities and even those living understimated.
I don’t know why it is a national Matter but Vande Matram is just a Patriotic Song and their are millions of Patriotic song out their in India but most of them just dont have the same fame as Vande Matram but that doesn’t give it the same right as our National Anthem . So calling someone anti national just because they were not standing for Vande Matram is just a low Iq move or simply a retard take.
Garbage. Vande Matram is no test for patriotism. Sick mentality dividing our nation.
Don’t spread your dirty thoughts among the people.