NSF directs schools across Nagaland to keep students out of Independence Day events over compulsory Vande Mataram participation concerns
DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions under their respective jurisdictions do not send students to participate in India’s Independence Day programmes on August 15, citing objections to the mandatory playing or singing of the revised Indian National Song, Vande Mataram.
In a notification issued on Wednesday, the NSF announced that the directive would remain in force until the order mandating compulsory playing or singing of Vande Mataram during official functions is revoked.
The federation clarified that it had no objection to the celebration of India’s Independence Day or to showing due respect to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols. Its objection, it stated, was specifically to compulsory participation in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and sincerely held beliefs of students belonging to non-Hindu communities.
The NSF invoked the constitutional guarantees of freedom of conscience and religion, stating that no student should be compelled to participate in a religiously sensitive expression contrary to their sincerely held beliefs.
It also referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs communication dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, which it said had raised concern among the Naga people. The federation further cited Article 371A and its safeguards concerning the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
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The NSF directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that no student is subjected to disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or academic consequences for declining to participate in Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief.
Following the NSF notification, the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) directed schools and educational institutions under its jurisdiction not to send students to participate in the August 15 Independence Day programme until further notice.
The AKM cited the NSF notification and reiterated concerns over compulsory playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram, particularly in relation to students’ freedom of conscience and religious belief.
The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) also issued a notification on Wednesday in reference to the NSF directive and its earlier notification of March 13, 2026.
The CSU directed its affiliated units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions under their jurisdiction do not send students to Independence Day programmes where compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram is imposed.
It also directed that instances of coercion, intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary action against students for exercising their right to refrain from participating in Vande Mataram be reported to the CSU office.