As a Naga, I feel a responsibility to speak about the ongoing debate surrounding Vande Mataram. This national song is a heartfelt tribute to India and I too honor India as my motherland. The first two stanzas that are commonly sung describe India as a nurturing mother and are largely inclusive in their imagery. The lines “Vande Mataram, sujalam, suphalam, malayaja shitalam, shasya-shyamalam” translate roughly to: “I bow to you, Mother, rich with water, abundant with fruits, cool with the southern breeze, and green with crops.” These words celebrate the beauty and richness of the land.
However, it is also important to understand the song in its full historical context. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the novel Anandamath, the later verses of Vande Mataram contain references where the motherland is invoked as a Hindu goddess. Lines such as “Tumi Durga, Tumi Bhavani” portray the nation as goddesses like Durga and Bhavani. Because of this, only the first two stanzas are officially sung today so that the song may serve as a broader national symbol in a religiously diverse country.
Even so, many people in Nagaland remain uncomfortable with it. The concern is not merely about the two stanzas we sing, but about the broader context of the song itself. For many Christians in Nagaland, singing a song historically associated with invoking a deity outside our faith can feel like compromising our devotion to the one God we worship.
This is why discussions often return to constitutional protections such as Article 25 and Article 371A. Article 25 guarantees every citizen the freedom to profess and practice their religion, while Article 371A recognizes and protects the religious and social practices of the Naga people. We may sometimes appear to rely on Article 371A frequently in public debates, but it exists precisely to safeguard our identity, customs, and faith. In moments like this, it is natural that people recall those protections.
At the same time, it is also important that this issue does not overshadow the many pressing concerns facing Nagaland today. For several days now, the debate around Vande Mataram has dominated headlines while larger issues get sidelined. We must ensure that this issue does not escalate in ways that divide communities further.
Perhaps the concern can be understood through a simple question. If India had a national anthem rooted in another faith — for example, a gospel song about Jesus — and even if only two verses were selected to make it more inclusive, would followers of other religions feel entirely comfortable singing it? This question is not meant to accuse anyone but to encourage empathy and understanding.
India’s greatest strength has always been its diversity. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I do not expect India of my dreams to develop one religion… but to be wholly tolerant.” Likewise, Rabindranath Tagore reminded us, “We must learn to respect the other faiths as we expect others to respect our own.”
If India is to remain truly secular and united, mutual understanding must guide us. After all, a true religion is one that does not dominate others, but one that respects all.
Arhoni Ngullie
Tuesday, March 10, 2026