Singing anthem must in colleges, thanks to NCP

At least 400 colleges affiliated to the Mumbai University will have to introduce the recitation of ‘‘Jana gana mana...’’...

At least 400 colleges affiliated to the Mumbai University will have to introduce the recitation of ‘‘Jana gana mana…’’ every morning from the academic term beginning this June, thanks to the efforts of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) which is on a patriotic upswing.

This is part of the second phase of the NCP’s endeavour to revive patriotism in the state.

The 400 colleges include institutes in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Most colleges are currently closed for the summer vacation but the management of many of the institutes says they are willing to introduce the national anthem if told to.

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Bhavan’s College registrar Shankar S. said: ‘‘No circular has yet come to us, but we will happily do it, if asked to. We have no objection to reciting the national anthem in our college.’’ Principal of Jhunjhunwala College Y.S. Yairam and superintendent of N.K. College Santosh Akhade echoed his sentiments. However, the real response will come when students flock to their colleges in June and encounter this new wave of patriotism.

According to Nationalist Congress Party spokesman Narendra Verma, who is spearheading the ‘‘revival’’ of the national anthem, an official communication will be issued by the Education Ministry shortly.

Verma said the first phase of the campaign has been a great success. All theatres currently have to play the national anthem at the start of every show, failing which they are liable to stern action.

He said the party spent lakhs of rupees creating the soundtrack played in theatres. Now, it will be spending again on the conversion of a video CD of the anthem into a reel for screening in theatres, he added.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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