Patriotism through National Anthem in cinema halls

Since the coming of BJP to power they are proving that they are the sole custodians of patriotism, thus they come up with these old ideas with new packing.

I remember my childhood days when the National Anthem was played in the cinema halls after the movie was over. Today the Supreme Court has ordered that the National Anthem is to be played in the cinema halls prior to the screening of the movie.

In October month of this year, award-winning writer and disability campaigner Salil Chaturvedi, who suffers from a spinal injury, was hit hard by the husband, while the woman accompanying him yelled, “Why can’t he get up?” at a multiplex in Goa for not standing while the National Anthem was being played. After the incident Chaturvedi said, “I can’t go. I’m afraid someone will hit me even harder, and worsen my spinal injury. I just don’t understand why it seems impossible for so many people to express patriotism in a non-aggressive manner”.

Is moral policing required for patriotism! There are many people who are not aware about the exact words of the National Anthem; still they are termed to be patriots. Mostly moral policing is being done by the Shiv Sena, Bajran Dal, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), RSS, etc who are now the so called custodians of patriotism in India. None other is worthy than them. Demonetisation has been called an act towards patriotism by the Modi Bhakts. No matter that the new legal tenders Rs.500 note is having misprint, is it not an insult to the nation’s prestige.

People of my age would remember that on the advent of the elections the campaigns were done through patriotic songs. Since early morning the songs were played on high pitch which echoed through the locality. These songs were moral boosters for the voters whereas the politicians and the political parties on the other hand planning new strategy to flush the country of its wealth.

Hitherto, cinema hall was also a place for the love birds, relaxing place for the stressed ones, entertainment hub for the fun lover, and learner for the budding writers, actors, lyricists, etc. The future cinema halls will be a place where ambulance would be must and these will be the sprouting grounds for the riots and also certificate for if you come home without torn clothes indicating that you are a true patriot.

Keep fingers cross before you enter the cinema next time may be you will be a silent spectator to a real movie with the reel movie!

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