After Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray claimed that the government should bring in a law to make singing of Vande Mataram compulsory, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose on Wednesday said that instead of imposing something, we should inspire the youth to such an extent that they themselves adopt such a thing.
Speaking to ANI, Bose said discipline must be maintained but regimentation will not work in a democratic setup.
"India is a nation where we have all religion, castes, people of different sects, so we should not impose anything on the nation. We should inspire the youth of the nation to such an extent that they themselves would adopt Vande Mataram or Jana Gana Mana, or Jai Hind.I think this should come naturally among the citizens of India. We should not impose anything because we are a democratic nation," he said.
He further said that the patriotic fervour, the nationalism, the spirit is presently lacking among the youth of the nation.
"As leaders we need to inculcate this spirits among the youth," he added.
Thackrey had earlier said that "nationalism shouldn't be part of just January 26 and August 15 celebrations. It should become integral part of life."
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Speaking at the 57th anniversary event of Marathi cartoon weekly 'Marmik', founded by his father, Sena patriarch late Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena chief said the singing of the national song should not be restricted to certain days.
"What is wrong in singing Vande Mataram and why should it be sung only on select days? It should be sung every day. Bring in a law for the same (to make its recitation mandatory)," Thackeray said.
"There should be no display of false pride. There should be a stringent law for compulsory singing of Vande Mataram," he added.
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