Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Good sense prevails” (January 11). The editorial’s observation that patriotism should be inculcated among people instead of forcing it, is on the mark as compulsion in matters of feelings, sentiments and the spirit, leaves negative impression against the point being hammered.
Moreover, the cinema hall is a place for entertainment and enjoyment and so serious matters, like patriotism, involving love and pride for the country, need not be linked with it. The Supreme Court’s change of mind regarding the playing of the national anthem before the screening of a film in cinema halls is appropriate, which will simply inculcate the citizenry with patriotic pride. Finally, the inter-ministerial committee, that has been set up to frame guidelines, describing circumstances and occasions on which the national anthem must be played, should keep in mind the above mentioned points while drafting the guidelines.