Shillong, March 19: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has raised a strong objection to singing of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools and government functions, alleging that the verses invoke Hindu deities.
The KSU warned of staging protest in schools and government functions where six stanza of Vande Mataram is sung, saying the later verses that invoke Hindu deities amount to “a process of assimilation” contrary to Khasi traditions.
Speaking on the occasion of KSU’s 48th anniversary, its general secretary Donald V Thabah linked the “Vande Mataram order” to earlier attempts to impose Hindi and to the Citizenship Amendment Act and Uniform Civil Code, which he said undermine customary practices.
“If we allow them to direct us to sing…one day we will have to toe the line,” he said, urging cadres to report occasions where the song is performed so protests can be organised.
Thabah said only the first two stanzas speak of the land while the rest praise Hindu deities.
Meanwhile, the KSU reiterated demands for stronger anti‑influx laws and warned that younger generations would judge today’s inaction.
In his address, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngnar said the Union remains determined to resist what he called “forces from outside” seeking to marginalise indigenous people, urging youth to keep unity and principles above all.
The union pledged to continue pressing pending demands — including stronger anti‑influx laws — and said it would serve the indigenous community “despite whatever others may say,” with its future resting on young people’s commitment.
