Mizoram students' body opposes compulsory singing of full 'Vande Mataram' in schools

Mizoram's influential students' organisation, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Friday opposed any move to make the singing or playing of the full version of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in educational institutions in the state.

MZP general secretary Lalhmingsanga Chhangte said the organisation's meeting on Friday unanimously resolved to maintain its existing stand on the issue.

Chhangte said the MZP believed educational institutions should focus on academic development and should not become venues for enforcing practices that students may perceive as having religious or political overtones.

The meeting also resolved that the organisation would continue taking steps to ensure that students in educational institutions across Mizoram were not compelled to sing or listen to 'Vande Mataram', he said.

According to the MZP, the full version of the song contains stanzas that portray the motherland as Hindu deities and use imagery associated with deity worship.

The organisation argued that compelling students to sing those portions could conflict with Christian beliefs and said directives from the Centre should take into account the distinct cultural and socio-religious context of the Northeast rather than impose a uniform mandate.

In March, Chief Minister Lalduhoma had also clarified the state government's position, saying it would accept only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' for official or educational purposes as the subsequent stanzas contain religious references rather than purely patriotic themes.