Aizawl: The executive committee of Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex Mizo student organisation, on Friday objected to any move making it mandatory to sing or render all stanzas of “Vande Mataram” in educational institutions.In a press release, MZP said it had earlier opposed MHA directive mandating the singing or playing of the revised “Vande Mataram” in educational institutions and at official functions.“Educational institutions are for learning and education and should not be diluted with a political agenda,” the statement said. It added that MZP was reiterating the stand it announced at a news conference in Aizawl in March.An MZP member said the organisation objected to singing or playing the stanzas beyond the second, saying they include references to Hindu deities. “It will not be appropriate to sing or play all the stanzas in the Christian-majority state of Mizoram,” he said.MZP said it would take steps to ensure that educational institutions across the state do not sing or render the revised version as directed by MHA.Meanwhile, in a letter dated Aug 10 to principals and headmasters in Aizawl district, the district education officer instructed that the national song be sung as per the lyrics and audio shared by the ministry of culture, in connection with the ‘Har Tiranga’ campaign. The letter also said only the first and second stanzas are to be sung, in line with the chief minister’s decision.
