The observation of the Supreme Court judge, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, about moral policing is timely (“Why make a show of patriotism: SC judge”, October 24). Except for a few, most Indian citizens are patriotic by nature, whether they wear it on their sleeves or not. While it is appropriate to make it mandatory to play the national anthem at official gatherings and school assemblies, it is irrational to make it compulsory in settings such as cinema halls. Cinema spectators are a motley crowd, with many coming to the theatre for entertainment and to forget their miseries for a few hours. They may not even understand concepts such as patriotism and not know why they should stand up while the national anthem is played, though they may love their motherland and donate all their valuables in times of national emergencies. In public interest, the government should dispense with the playing of the national anthem in cinema halls.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
With the Supreme Court now questioning the need to play the national anthem in movie halls, many public figures have also started mouthing the platitude that one’s loyalty to the nation does not have to be openly demonstrated. In this context, it must be noted that with globalisation, the idea of loyalty to the nation has weakened, especially in a generation which is sensing a transcending of national barriers in the matter of their employability. Also, there are many whose loyalty and emotional commitment transcend national boundaries. For all such people, the expectation that loyalty to the nation should be demonstrated is embarrassing. They should however remember that the safe and comfortable life of all people living in India, including of the parents of those who have emotionally risen to global citizenship, depends on a dedicated group of defence services personnel, the police forces, railway personnel, electricity department staff, water supply staff, road construction and maintenance personnel and a host of others who retain their loyalty to the nation. Therefore, the concept of nationalism cannot be considered obsolete, nor should those who spend more than two hours watching a film grudge the extra 52 seconds that the national anthem is played.
A. Ramachandran,
Palakkad
