The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed a recent directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandating that the Indian National Song “Vande Mataram” be played or sung before the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” at designated high-level official functions, including in schools. In a press release, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and general secretary Kenilo Kent termed the MHA’s order an imposition that disregards the historical, political, and cultural realities of the Naga people. While acknowledging constitutional provisions such as Article 51A(a), the federation asserted that no authority could compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga homeland in ways that overlook its distinct identity.
The federation expressed particular concern over instructions directing schools to begin each day with the singing of “Vande Mataram” and efforts to popularise both the National Song and the National Anthem. According to the NSF, schools are meant to promote learning and critical thinking, not to enforce symbolic compliance or ideological uniformity.
In response, the NSF issued a warning that no activity mandating the compulsory singing or playing of “Vande Mataram” before “Jana Gana Mana” should be carried out in schools across the Naga homeland. It also urged the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) not to issue any circulars or instructions enforcing the directive, stressing the importance of respecting local sensitivities and preventing unrest among students.
The federation further cautioned school authorities and administrators against implementing the directive unilaterally without consultation with stakeholders and consideration of ground realities. Any such move, it stated, would be viewed as a serious affront to the sentiments of the Naga student community. The NSF called upon all its federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and ensure that the directive is not implemented. It reiterated its appeal to authorities to respect the distinct political and cultural rights of the Naga homeland and to avoid steps that could undermine mutual respect and understanding among communities.