India’s National anthem was discussed at three places in Gujrat Samachar. Exemption to honor national anthem on religious basis is enshrined in earlier decisions by Supreme Court. Two states have also announced that National anthem is not compulsory for all Indians on religious grounds. Yet, recently a supreme-court bench announced playing national anthem at every film show to audience locked in. Why this dichotomy of thought at highest level? It is no wonder that fragmented India is treated as shuttlecock in international arena.
Religious arguments are put forward to oppose bona fide intentions of Indian government. Pseudo secularism weakens unity, especially when it opposes harmless exercise as singing national anthem or national song? No Christian objected when poet Ravindranath Tagor recited before visiting king, who was also Christian. No Muslim objected to song “Sarey jahanse achha, Hindustaan hamara”. Therefore current religious argument against reciting and honoring National anthem sound hollow.
If India sternly implements unity of thought, it will command and demand global respect. Nationalist slogans carry no credibility when the sub-continent is fragmented on all levels. Devotion, commitment, fidelity, patriotism are not only to be shouted from rooftops but also to be seen and practiced with pride.
Ramesh Jhalla
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