One cannot understand why the judiciary keeps changing its stance on the subject of playing the national anthem (“Why make a show of patriotism: SC judge”, October 24).
Without an iota of doubt, it is the duty of the Central government to widen the scope and possibility of the national anthem being sung by all Indians in situations wherever it is feasible and practical. It is as simple as that. However, it makes sense singing the anthem in educational institutions, and in circumstances like when a comrade has fallen or when a soldier has laid down his life and his valiance echoes with the volley of the gun salute. It is truly fitting singing the anthem during our Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. Cinema halls and clubs are definitely not the places to render our national anthem as they are settings that do not foster or instil patriotism. One cannot force citizens to feel a surge of love for the country when the occasion does not lend itself to that mindset.
R. Sivakumar
Chennai
