Pros And Cons Of National Anthems

The Supreme Court announced on 30th November 2016 that all cinema halls across the country should compulsorily play the national anthem before the screening of films and that everyone present at the hall must stand up in respect till the national anthem ended.
Meanwhile, the national flag should be displayed on the screen while the national anthem is being played.
National anthem is regarded as a sacred tune that instils the feeling of pride and patriotism in the minds of the country men.
We all have experienced, when our sportsmen do us proud by winning us trophies, how triumphant and proud all countrymen feel and the sound and music of our anthem stirs up our emotions and we all feel proud of the nation,its achievements and proud of the

No doubt national anthem evokes nationalism and patriotism.
But let’s look at the occasions when the national anthem is played:
It is played in international sporting events when teams represent countries. It is played in diplomatic events, when diplomats and officials represent the country. It is played on national days, when the country is celebrating the nation, such as independence or republic day.
The Supreme Court’s ruling to play national anthem in cinema halls before playing a movie has started a debate in the country. Some of the arguments by people opposed to the order are as follows:
1. FORCE FED

Indians heading the most prestigious corporates around the globe etc.
2. DEGRADING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM:
Of all places to instill patriotism, cinema halls are no place to get people to feel for their country. Imagine people associating national anthem with low grade/violent/poor movies.
It’s always been a song that we associate with pride and patriotism. Playing it in such a manner at such places will be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.
This would only make national anthem lose its importance.
3.THE REAL FOCUS LOST:
There have been several instances recently where people not standing up or paying respect have been beaten and abused by fellow movie watchers.
Unfortunately some of these were disabled/ elderly not able to stand up or even foreign nationals.
These instances create disorder and confusion rather than add to the dignity of the anthem.
4. DISREGARD TO INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS:
The move is seen as disregard individual rights of having different notion or perception.
Those individuals who support the order have their view point as follows:
1. SHOWING RESPECT:
Standing up to your country’s national anthem is not to prove patriotism but to instil the feeling of love and respect for your