The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) have instructed schools and educational institutions under their jurisdictions not to send students to Independence Day programmes on August 15, citing objections to a directive that makes the playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram compulsory at official functions. In a notification dated August 12, the NSF asked its federating units and subordinate bodies to withhold student participation “until the directive mandating the playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram during official functions is withdrawn.”
The NSF said it has no objection to observing Independence Day or to showing respect to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols. Its objection, the federation clarified, is specifically to compulsory participation in Vande Mataram where the song’s devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and beliefs of students from non‑Hindu communities.
Citing constitutional protections of freedom of conscience and religion and Article 371A of the Constitution, the student body argued that students should not be compelled to take part in an expression that may carry religious implications for them. The NSF also said it had previously raised the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 28, 2026.
The federation directed that students who opt out of Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief must not be subjected to disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or any academic consequences.
Following the NSF notification, the AKM issued a separate directive for institutions within Mokokchung district, asking them not to send students to the August 15 celebrations “until further direction”. The AKM cited the same concerns about mandatory participation and the need to protect students’ freedom of conscience and religious belief.
The directives, issued ahead of Independence Day observances across Nagaland, have brought the question of compulsory participation in the revised Vande Mataram into renewed focus, sparking debate over national ceremonies, constitutional freedoms and the religious sensitivities of students.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-student-bodies-ask-schools-to-skip-i-day-event-over-mandatory-singing-of-vande-mataram-1437084-2026-08-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-08-12 22:53:00
