Guwahati: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) have asked schools and educational institutions under their respective jurisdictions not to send students to Independence Day programmes on August 15, citing concerns over the mandatory playing or singing of the revised version of Vande Mataram at official functions.
In a notification issued on August 12, the NSF directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and other educational institutions do not send students to Independence Day programmes until the directive requiring the playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram at official functions is withdrawn.
The federation clarified that it does not oppose Independence Day celebrations or the display of the National Flag, National Anthem, and other national symbols. Its objection, it said, is limited to compulsory participation in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious references may conflict with the conscience or beliefs of students from non-Hindu communities.
The NSF invoked constitutional protections relating to freedom of conscience and religion, along with Article 371A, in opposing mandatory participation. It maintained that students should not be forced to take part in an activity that they may perceive as having religious implications.
The student federation said it had also raised the issue with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on January 28, 2026.
The NSF further instructed its constituent bodies to ensure that students who decline to participate in Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief are not subjected to disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or any academic consequences.
The directive was followed by a separate notification from the Ao Students’ Conference, covering schools and educational institutions within its jurisdiction in Mokokchung district. The AKM asked institutions not to send students to Independence Day celebrations on August 15 “until further direction”, citing similar concerns over compulsory participation in Vande Mataram and the need to safeguard students’ freedom of conscience and religious belief.
The directives have come ahead of Independence Day celebrations across Nagaland, bringing renewed focus on the debate over compulsory participation in Vande Mataram and the balance between national observances, constitutional freedoms and religious sensitivities.