Shillong : Adelbert Nongrum, MLA from North Shillong, has strongly objected to a Meghalaya government instruction directing departments to play and sing the full version of Vande Mataram during official functions.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary Dr Shakhil Ahammed, Nongrum lodged a formal protest and urged the government to correct the instruction so that only the first two stanzas of the song are played or sung.
The MLA pointed out that when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the song in 1950, only the first two Sanskrit stanzas written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee were accepted.
Speaking to reporters, Nongrum also stated that the Constitution of India does not officially mention a national song.
He further warned that compelling people to sing the full version could infringe upon Article 25, which guarantees citizens the freedom of religion and faith.
“As a Christian, the first commandment says ‘I am the Lord your God… you shall not have any strange God before me,’” Nongrum said, explaining his concern.
The VPP legislator has requested the government to revise the instruction so that only the first two stanzas of “Vande Mataram” are used at official occasions.