Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 3
MLA Jwenga Seb, on Tuesday suggested that the song ‘God bless my Nagaland’ be played as a prelude to the National Anthem in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), subject to permissions.
Participating in the discussion on ‘Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address’ on the second day of the ongoing eighth session of the 14th NLA in Kohima, Seb noted that many legislators had on the previous day raised concerns on the floor of the House regarding the practice of playing ‘Vande Mataram’ as a prelude to the National Anthem.
Registering his opposition to this proposal and practice, Seb said, “In the spirit of inclusion and constitutional respect, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding the recent practice and proposal to mandate the singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” in this esteemed House.”
He said that the initial stanzas are widely acknowledged as a secular homage to our motherland, the latter stanzas contain explicit devotional references to specific Hindu deities.
For a state like Nagaland, where the majority of our citizens identify as Christian, this presents a significant conflict of conscience, he said.
“My opposition to this proposal is not rooted in any lack of patriotism, but rather in a profound commitment to upholding the constitutional rights and religious identities of our people. The Constitution of India, under Article 25, guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate one’s religion” Seb said. He added, “Mandating the recitation of verses that venerate deities outside of one’s faith directly infringes upon this sacred freedom.”
He said that the strength of India lies in its secular fabric, where the state remains neutral and respectful of all faiths. Nagaland’s unique cultural and religious identity is a vital part of this diversity. “Our patriotism is unwavering, demonstrated through our service, our dedication to the nation’s development, and our respect for national symbols such as the Tricolour and our National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” which beautifully and inclusively celebrates the essence of India.”
“To impose a religiously specific hymn in this august House would be to overlook both our constitutional safeguards and the delicate balance of mutual respect that sustains our unity. True unity is achieved not through compulsion, but by honouring the conscience of every individual,” he said.
Urges focus on Central Nagaland
Seb also extended congratulations to people of Eastern Nagaland on the recent signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Government of India for establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). Terming the development a “milestone,” Seb said expressed confidence that the formation of the interim council for the FNTA would serve as a unifying force for the state.
While celebrating the achievement for Eastern Nagaland, the MLA also urged the government to turn its attention to marginalized communities in central Nagaland. “It is an undeniable reality that developmental disparities exist even within more advanced communities, which cannot be overlooked simply due to their classification,” Seb said.
He proposed that the government consider intensifying a development programme similar to the Development of Underdeveloped Areas package, aimed at uplifting economically disadvantaged segments in both advanced and backward communities of central Nagaland.
“This initiative would provide equal opportunities for social development and livelihood enhancement,” he added.
