Students during the 8th Convocation programme of Nagaland University at Lumami on Friday were seen remaining seated while the national song “Vande Mataram” was played, following a decision by the Nagaland University Students’ Union (NUSU-L) to boycott the song over concerns relating to religious beliefs and customary practices protected under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

Prior to the convocation, the NUSU(L), under the directives of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), had submitted a representation to the Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University on March 5 seeking the removal of the national song “Vande Mataram” from the 8th Convocation programme. In the letter, the

Union stated that the inclusion of the song contradicts the special provisions under Article 371(A), which safeguard the religious beliefs and customary practices of the Naga people.

The Union further stated that if the demand was not addressed and the song remained in the programme, it would boycott the national song and would not be responsible for any untoward or

unfavourable circumstances that might arise thereafter.

In a separate notice issued by the NUSU(L), the Union informed all bonafide members of Nagaland University attending the convocation that, following an emergency meeting held in reference to the directives of the NSF, it had unanimously decided to boycott the song by remaining seated while it was being played. All staff, scholars and students attending the convocation were requested to support the decision.

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During the convocation ceremony on March 6 , some students were observed remaining seated when the national song was played.

Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan graced the event as the chief guest which is his first official visit to Nagaland.

During the programme, the national song “Vande Mataram” was played twice along with the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.” It was first played during the reception of the chief guest and other dignitaries on the dais at the beginning of the programme, when the gathered audience including students, faculty members, staff, scholars, researchers and family members of the graduating students were standing. The song was again played during the departure of the Chief guest and other dignitaries and the Conferment of the degrees and award ceremony.