Letters to The Editor — July 31, 2026 - The HinduPublished - July 31, 2026 12:24 am ISTHave constructive debateAs a citizen, it is disheartening to witness repeated disruptions, heated exchanges, and political confrontations in Parliament during debates that could have been devoted to very constructive discussions on issues of national importance. Valuable time has been consumed by arguments, interruptions, and procedural disputes instead of addressing pressing concerns such as the challenges students face, examination irregularities, the quality of education, and unemployment. While differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, they should be expressed with dignity and mutual respect. Both the government and the Opposition share this responsibility. I sincerely hope that our elected representatives will rise above political differences and make Parliament a platform for constructive debate, thoughtful policymaking, and public welfare.Parry Garg,Ludhiana, PunjabThe passage of the Bill criminalising acts of disrespect towards Vande Mataram raises an important question: Is this really the most pressing issue before the nation that deserves Parliament’s precious time during the Monsoon session?India today is grappling with unemployment, examination scandals, inflation, ecological degradation, agrarian distress, border concerns, and institutional challenges. Against this backdrop, debating whether additional criminal provisions are required to protect a song that already commands immense respect among Indians appears misplaced. Laws should respond to genuine and widespread problems, not symbolic anxieties.One must ask honestly: Who, in any significant number, is insulting Vande Mataram today? If isolated incidents occur, existing legal provisions are already available. Criminal legislation should not become a substitute for political messaging.The history of Vande Mataram itself deserves to be remembered in its entirety. The decision to adopt only the first two stanzas as the national song was not accidental. It emerged after thoughtful deliberations among leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore and other members of the national movement, who understood India’s extraordinary religious and cultural diversity. They recognised that while Vande Mataram occupied a cherished place in the freedom struggle, national symbols should unite rather than divide.Their approach reflected prudence, inclusiveness and statesmanship. Ironically, many of the loudest voices claiming exclusive ownership over nationalism today come from political traditions that played little or no meaningful role in India’s freedom movement. Yet they now portray themselves as the sole custodians of patriotism, while questioning the commitment of everyone else. Patriotism, however, cannot be monopolised, legislated or measured through slogans alone.National honour is not strengthened by creating new criminal offences every few years. It is strengthened when citizens trust their institutions, when Parliament debates people’s real concerns, when constitutional values are upheld, and when governments remain accountable to those they serve.True respect for Vande Mataram comes not from the fear of punishmentbut from the affection and conviction of the people. Symbols acquire dignity through the conduct of a nation, not merely through harsher statutes.India deserves a Parliament that spends more time solving real problems than manufacturing symbolic battles. Patriotism is ultimately demonstrated through public service, constitutional fidelity and honest governance—not through political posturing.Aditya Das,Bhowali, UttarakhandAlleged excesses, remarksReports from various sources indicate that brutal force was unleashed against the protesting students in Delhi. Visuals purportedly showing police manhandling young women and using pellet guns, rubber bullets, and spiked lathis, causing bleeding injuries, have gone viral on social media. In this context, some government sources dismissing all this as “normal” only serves to further inflame public sentiment. There have already been objectionable statements describing the young women who participated in the protest in utterly deplorable terms. Any attempt to brush aside these serious allegations is unfortunate.A.G. Rajmohan,Anantapur, Andhra PradeshPublished - July 31, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }