Shillong, March 21: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has threatened to stage protests across Meghalaya against the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at schools and government functions, alleging that parts of the song contradict indigenous tribal traditions.
The student body said it would mobilise its members to identify instances where all six stanzas of the national song are performed and organise demonstrations against such events.
KSU leaders argued that while the first two stanzas of the song refer to the motherland, the later verses contain religious references invoking Hindu deities, which they claim are not in line with local tribal beliefs.
“The later stanzas invoke Hindu deities and contradict indigenous tribal traditions,” the union said, adding that “only the first two stanzas refer to the motherland, while later verses contain religious references.”
The announcement was made during the organisation’s 48th anniversary programme. KSU General Secretary Donald V Thabah said the move was necessary to resist what he termed “cultural assimilation.”
“If we allow them to direct us to sing, one day we will have to toe their line,” he said, linking the issue to broader concerns over alleged imposition of Hindi as well as debates surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
KSU President Lambokstarwell Marngnar reiterated the union’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous identity and unity.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at official functions, and that the National Song be played before the National Anthem.
