The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex students’ organisation in Mizoram, on Monday mounted a strong opposition to the proposal of making the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in educational institutions, cautioning that such a move would be inappropriate and insensitive to the socio-religious realities of the Christian-majority state.
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, the powerful student body said the idea of introducing daily singing or playing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools and colleges as well as official functions requires careful reconsideration, stressing that educational institutions must remain spaces dedicated to learning and intellectual growth rather than platforms for practices unrelated to academic development.
The MZP noted that schools and colleges are meant to cultivate knowledge and skills that contribute to the advancement of society. It criticised the introduction of such measures without meaningful consultation, arguing that directives which do not directly contribute to the educational objectives of institutions should not be imposed upon students and academic establishments.
The organisation made it clear that it would oppose any attempt to utilise educational institutions for purposes that it perceives as politically driven or religiously motivated.
Urging restraint, the MZP called on the Mizoram government, the authorities in the Education Department and heads of institutions across the state not to hastily implement any directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring students to sing or listen to Vande Mataram. It appealed to them to take into account the distinctive cultural and religious context of Mizoram before enforcing such measures.
According to the statement, the government should first undertake a careful assessment of Mizoram’s unique position within the Indian Union and adopt a clear and considered stance before allowing such directives to take effect.
The students’ body also underscored its long-standing role in safeguarding the identity, culture and traditions of the Mizo people. It warned that educational institutions should not become arenas for the propagation of political ideologies or the imposition of religious symbolism.
MZP leaders also pointed out that Vande Mataram contains several Bengali phrases and references, including imagery associated with temple worship, which they said may not resonate with many people in Mizoram where Christianity is the dominant faith.
As an alternative, the organisation suggested that authorities consider promoting songs that reflect the cultural and spiritual identity of the people of the state. It cited the example of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, where the hymn “Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che”, which praises the Living God, is sung or played during proceedings.
The MZP urged the state government and relevant authorities to explore the possibility of allowing such songs to be sung or played in educational institutions instead.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation has also expressed similar reservations, stating that attempts to enforce the singing of Vande Mataram in educational institutions overlook the cultural and religious diversity of the Northeast.
