Opinion
-
Letters to the Editor
Disrespect to anthem
Sir, — While welcoming the new flag code, one wonders whether everyone knows the sanctity of our flag. The Bihar Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, and her husband, the RJD chief, Laloo Prasad Yadav, demonstrated otherwise _ that too on the Republic Day! The Union Cabinet a few days ago removed all restrictions on unfurling of the flag. So far, the Tricolour was supposed to be unfurled by the public only on three occasions _ Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Now everybody is free to display the flag on all days.
In the true sense, today, our flag has transformed itself from being a governmental artefact into a universal symbol portraying Indianness. We learn that the Union Home Minister, while introducing the Flag Code, remarked that here shall be no restriction on the display of the national flag by public or private organisations and individuals; can be hoisted on all days; that there be no household in the country which does not have a national flag and it be used properly, kept with due respect and due reverence. He rebuffed the need for a special law to prevent its misuse. Now we read that Ms. Rabri Devi and Mr. Yadav sat through the entire national anthem as it was played.
Would the Home Minister still hold there is no need for a special law to prevent its misuse?
Srimathi Venkatachari,
Chennai
* * *
Sir, — Every child knows that it should stand when the national anthem is being played. But there are a few exceptions like Rabri Devi and Laloo Prasad Yadav, who were seen sitting when the national anthem was being played. Mr. Yadav's comment later in the day is rather shocking. Both Ms. Rabri Devi and Mr. Yadav should tender a public apology.
Vivekanand Jha,
Tiruchi, T.N.
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opinion
|
