The national anthem is basically about patriotism and nationalism and is to inspire within all of us respect and pride for the country. Playing it, even in a setting such as a cinema hall, is an opportunity to spread the message of sacrifice made by our freedom fighters and inculcate a sense of patriotism within the younger generation. Therefore, one is sad and unable to digest the Supreme Court’s decision of leaving the choice of playing the anthem or not to the discretion of individual cinema hall owners (“Playing of national anthem in cinema halls made optional”, January 10).
James Edwin Thomson,
Chennai
After much debate, discussion and protest, the court’s decision on the issue is a welcome one. However, the top court should have issued an order for all to sing the anthem instead of having an instrumental rendition. Merely playing instruments makes no sense. Singing it will make people understand the meaning of the song, invoking a sense of love for national integrity and evoking patriotism.
V.P. Dhananjayan,
Chennai
As citizens of this great land, it is our fundamental duty to respect the anthem. But patriotism should be come from within the heart and one cannot be forced to express this. It could have been made mandatory as it is not a burden being imposed on citizens. If a small issue such as this cannot be implemented, it is certainly a failure of the system. Irrespective of the fact that the unity of the nation will always be certain, there is still a need to remind the public of the need to uphold this and pay respect to the nation. Forming a 12-member panel to take a call on the issue is just a waste of time, energy and tax-payers’ money.
C.K. Subramaniam,
Navi Mumbai
Patriotism can never be mixed with entertainment. However, if the government really wants to keep patriotism in focus, it should take the initiative of ensuring that playing the anthem is made mandatory in all government offices, public transport systems and public spaces. There should even be a rule about the time it should be sung. Having said that, there have been a number of occasions where I have seen people disrespecting the anthem. It appears as if respect towards the anthem remains intact only in educational institutions.
Navneet Seth,
Dhuri, Punjab
There have been occasions where I have witnessed disrespect being shown to the anthem, two of them being international film festivals. Imposing playing of the anthem should be limited to government functions of importance so that controversy can be avoided. Entertainment programmes and festivals must be kept out of its ambit. Imposing the criterion of playing the anthem in all private and public functions will only pave the way for intolerance. Perhaps the 12-member inter-ministerial committee will consider these points.
B. Prabha,
Varkala, Kerala
It would have been sensible had the Supreme Court struck down, once and for all, its earlier order to play the anthem in cinema halls before every show, instead of making it optional now. When playing the national anthem becomes optional, it is quite natural for all cinema hall owners to opt for not playing it as they would never want to cause discomfort to the audience who have assembled there only for entertainment. The order does not make sense.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
