Srinagar, India – A new directive from the Jammu and Kashmir administration mandating the singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram‘ during morning assemblies has ignited a fresh controversy in the union territory. A prominent conglomerate of Muslim religious bodies has sharply criticised the order, labelling it a “coercive” measure that infringes upon the religious freedom of the Muslim community.
New Directive Sparks Controversy
The order, issued by the Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, is part of a broader initiative to standardise morning assemblies across all schools in Jammu and Kashmir. The guidelines aim to “inculcate a sense of pride and unity” and include a structured 20-minute programme involving prayers, patriotic songs, student talks, and the national anthem. However, the specific inclusion of ‘Vande Mataram‘ has become a significant flashpoint.
‘An Interference in Religious Tenets’: MMU Responds
Leading the opposition is the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an influential alliance of religious and social organisations in Kashmir. In a strongly worded statement, the MMU argued that forcing Muslim students to sing the song is an act of cultural and religious imposition.
“Islam teaches us to worship one God, Allah, and prostration or reverential bowing is reserved for Him alone,” an MMU spokesperson explained. “Certain verses in ‘Vande Mataram‘ personify the nation as a mother goddess and involve bowing in reverence. Forcing Muslim children, who believe in the core principle of Tawhid (the oneness of God), to sing this is a direct interference in their religious tenets. This isn’t about patriotism; it’s about coercion.”
The MMU further contended that the move disregards the unique cultural and religious sensitivities of the Muslim-majority region, framing it as another step in a larger project to “undermine the identity of Kashmiri Muslims” following the abrogation of Article 370.
Proponents Defend Order as Patriotic Duty
This controversy is not new to India, but its re-emergence in the politically charged atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir carries significant weight. Proponents of the government’s order defend it as a necessary step towards national integration. They argue that ‘Vande Mataram‘ is a historical national song, a symbol of the freedom struggle, and should be viewed through a secular, nationalistic lens.
“This is about instilling love for the motherland,” a local BJP leader commented on condition of anonymity. “To see religious dogma in a song that inspired countless freedom fighters is unfortunate and divisive. All Indian students should feel proud to sing it.”
Legal Standing: National Anthem vs. National Song
It is crucial to distinguish between the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ and the national song, ‘Vande Mataram.’ The Supreme Court of India has previously clarified that while respect for the national anthem is mandatory, the singing of the national song is not. Legal experts suggest that making the Vande Mataram order compulsory in schools could be subject to legal challenges based on the principles of religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution.
A Litmus Test for ‘Naya Kashmir’
The government directive places school administrators and teachers in a difficult position, caught between the administration and the sentiments of the local community. For many in the valley, this is more than a debate about a song; it’s a test of the central government’s promise of “Naya Kashmir” and whether the new administrative framework will respect the region’s distinct identity.
As the valleys of Kashmir echo with this renewed debate, the order on ‘Vande Mataram‘ has transcended the schoolyard, becoming a symbol of the delicate balance between constitutional patriotism, religious freedom, and cultural identity.
