Shillong, Apr 1: The Meghalaya government has taken up concerns regarding the singing of Vande Mataram at official events with the central government but will continue to adhere to the directive from New Delhi until told otherwise.
The January directive from the Union Home Ministry to play all six stanzas of the national song at public events has elicited disquiet in Christian-majority states like Mizoram and Nagaland as well as Meghalaya given the religious lyrics linked to a Hindu deity in the song.
Today Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday told reporters that the issue over Vande Mataram had surfaced earlier as well and has been deliberated upon. He explained that, as per the standing instructions, Vande Mataram is to be played at official functions attended by the Governor, adding that the guideline is being followed uniformly across the country.
The CM indicated that while the state is aware of the concerns raised, it continues to adhere to the directive as mandated by the Centre.
