Supreme Court recently ordered that National Anthem must be played in all Cinema Halls before screening of a Film and every audience in the Hall must stand up to show respect to the National Anthem, thereby conveying a stern message to the new generation that we must respect National Anthem .
Some people like Suhel Seth are opposing this move by Honorable Supreme Court and arguing on CNN NEWS 18 that this is like forcing us to show our patriotism; like forcing us to touch feet of our parents; He contends that SC can not teach us morality.
These foolish people forget that Article 51 A (i) of our constitution which enshrine fundamental duties mentions -"To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem"- as one of our duty. Fundamental Duties are the basis of our citizenship. We are suppose to maintain the dignity of the constitution by not doing anything in violation of the letter and spirit of the constitution. And if someone shows disrespect to the ideals of the constitution i.e. National Anthem, it must be treated as anti-social and anti-national activity as it is like questioning the very existence of a Sovereign Nation.
Again, if someone fails to perform the duties assigned by the constitution, it is the responsibility of the Guardian of the constitution, i.e, Supreme Court, to ensure that citizens of a country follow the duties expected of them by constitution in larger national interest. Yes, sometimes it becomes essential to insist on the observance of morality. Most of the people observe moral behavior because either they are afraid of Law of the Land or they fear that Law of Nature will punish them if they perform some bad deeds or do not follow natural laws. If a child does not touch feet of his parents what is wrong in telling him by his teacher that if he does not do so he shall be punished.
Elitism laced with ego is clearly discernible in the mentality of these people opposing the move. For a concerned Citizen respect for National Ideals like National Flag and National Anthem should come from within; and if it does not, it is a dangerous symptom for a nation. I am not able to understand why people do not stand up showing respect to National Anthem being played in Cinema Halls? what is it which stops them to do so? For me, something is seriously lacking in their patriotism. These people vigorously demand for their Right to Freedom of Speech and other rights but when it comes to follow the duties they start feeling that they are being forced to do so.
It is pertinent to mention here that there can be no rights in a society where there are no duties. And those disrespecting our National Ideals must be dealt with high handedness. Sometime to maintain order in society and to maintain Integrity and Sovereignty of a nation, it becomes essential to resort to force.
