Dear SC, Forcing People to Sing the National Anthem Won’t Help

People carry the Indian flag on August 15 2015. (Photo: AP)

Coercion and force look best on battlefields; not when they are used to keep a democracy in shape.

India is the world’s largest democracy and also one of the fastest growing economies. But several groups treading on its soil seem to be working against the very ethos and interest of the land.

Thrusting preposterous ideologies into the people’s psyche, improper use of the right to freedom of speech, and fanning the extinguished communal flames back to life have become too common, and are an obstacle to India’s quest to come across as a top-notch cosmopolitan country.

What is Patriotism?

Well, the definition of patriotism to a layman is very unambiguous and simple.

Safeguarding what your land stands for; not letting personal prejudices come in the way of national interest; and not putting up a flashy show of nationalism to pocket votes, but instead inspiring people by dishing out meaningful examples: This is the alpha and omega of the word.

Waving the national flag at the slightest opportunity or singing aloud the national anthem may not necessarily be the yardstick to gauge one’s love for their nation. Because, what’s the point behind these ostentatious acts when you harbour malice for your fellow countrymen; when all you can think about is pursuing personal agendas; and when you let some roguish opportunists get the better of you and turn you into a religious fanatic?

Moreover, loving your country doesn’t mean that you’re duty-bound to take sides with the ruling government too.

Dissenting with the government’s policies or actions, in stark contrast to being anti-national, is a sign of healthy patriotism.

As Julian Barnes, the award-winning English writer, perfectly sums it up, “The greatest patriotism is to tell your country when it is behaving dishonourably, foolishly, viciously”.

Also Read: 9 Reasons Why Making the National Anthem Mandatory Is A Bad Idea

Is Supreme Court’s Move Reasonable?

It is disquieting to learn that the highest lawmaking authority of the country is insinuating the idea of enforced nationalism into the citizens’ consciousness.

The Supreme Court of India, in its latest verdict, has made it mandatory for all movie theatres to play our national anthem before screening a film. The top court’s order also requires spectators to compulsorily stand up while the anthem is being played.

And, the underlying motive, as stated by the court, is to sow the seeds of patriotism in citizens.

But, in hindsight, is this move effectual? Can it instil the fear of law in a corrupt bureaucrat, and purge him? Is this well-intentioned attempt capable of producing far-sighted and level-headed individuals? And does it have enough power to thwart the likes of Owaisi and Thackeray from opening their fatuous mouths?

Well, with all due respect to the SC, I beg to differ.

Imposing a certain line of thought on the whole nation, on the grounds of it being beneficial, is understandable.

But how can a decision that sounds utterly unreasonable gain wide acceptance?

How long can an individual take such judgements lying down, lest they’d be held in contempt of court if its sanctity is challenged? Drawing a parallel between the act of enforced veneration to the national anthem in film theatres and stronger feelings of patriotism doesn’t hold much water.

A head-to-toe corrupt businessman stepping into a movie theatre, even if he croons the anthem besides standing up, would invariably walk out the same person.

A cinema-goer who was once mauled by a group of devil-may-care jawans for no good reason, and who thereafter began disdaining the entire fraternity of soldiers, won’t experience a change of heart after singing the national anthem in a movie hall.

Also Read: National Anthem Case: SC Seeks Refuge in Constitutional Patriotism

Why Does Enforced Patriotism Lack Depth?

Furthermore, why should anyone force us to be patriotic?

Citizens automatically starts appreciating and respecting the land they live in if given enough reasons to. 

Much like a tree which branches out prolifically when it receives the right amount of sunlight and water, people’s love for their country proliferates when they enjoy a sense of gratification from the things unfolding around them.

A student from a humble background gushes about his country when he gets into the institution of his choice without greasing the palms of any college official; a traffic cop takes pride in his country when his pay is commensurate to the long hours he spends in the scorching heat; and a girl develops a profound admiration for her country when it guarantees her complete safety from the lewd reprobates hovering around.

Also Read: Et tu, Supreme Court? National Anthem Compulsory in Theatres

A More Realistic Approach

In recent times, India has been in the news for more wrong reasons than good.

Various fringe elements, blinded by dogmatism, have marred the nation’s age-old reputation of being the ideal confluence of varied cultures and traditions. 

Using the subterfuge of patriotism, they’re simply pursuing their self-interests. In the wake of all these tensions simmering below, making the country a better place to live in is the ultimate key to winning our hearts.

The Indian government and the Judiciary should be sagacious enough not to miss the forest while looking at the woods.

(The author is a freelance writer and also Managing Editor of social media website Bordoisila.in. This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)