Vishü Rita Krocha
As a predominantly Christian state with distinct cultural identities protected under unique constitutional provisions like Article 371(A), the government's directive mandating the full six-stanza rendition of Vande Mataram at official functions has not gone down well especially with the Christian community of Nagaland.
While the first two stanzas of the song primarily focus on motherland, the inclusion of the later four stanzas has sparked controversies surrounding culture and religion as they contain explicit religious imagery.
For the marginalised communities across the country, this imposition has created social discomfort as the enforcement of the full song also conflicts with one's personal faith and conscience. Not surprisingly communities and individuals across Naga society including church bodies and student organisations have shown great dissentment towards this government's directive.
In the context of Nagaland, the mandatory rendition of the song also comes as a loyalty test to one's faith, belief and conscience as much as it is to their unique cultural identity.
True patriotism must remain inclusive of all faiths and religions. It must give every citizen an equal place in the nation regardless of what faith they practice. Only when a nation respects every faith, and gives every citizen the freedom of belief, can a nation also build lasting unity.
One's sense of love and devotion for their country cannot necessarily be measured in a song that is forced upon citizens. Just because somebody does not sing the national song does not mean he/she loves the country any less.
In the name of national unity, a government cannot simply brush aside the sentiments of a minority, forcing them to participate in something they are not comfortable with. To say the least, they also contribute in their own ways and means to nation building.
If patriotism can be measured in a song, then perhaps that's the easiest thing to do, to show your love and devotion for your country. But true patriotism lies in what a citizen actually does for their country, and not by the symbols, words, or songs they sing.
Among other things, patriotism means having a strong emotional attachment to their homeland and maybe it can also live inside a song, but only if it can also resonate deeply with every citizen regardless of race, caste or religion.
Singing a specific song should be a personal and a cultural choice, because anyone can be patriotic even without joining in every rendition or performance.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
