Jana Gana Mana: Is it okay if I don't stand during the national anthem in a theatre?

Few years back I had the same question. Why should I stand up? Why am I forced to stand in a country that boasts of democratic rights? Well we know the degree of our fundamental rights, but still it is better than many countries in the world. But why should it be the basic decency a reason for us to stand up? or even a forced patriotism for we know that the constitution doesn't mandate anyone to stand up. Then why this a social etiquette? To know that we will start with why do we have National Anthem. Every nation has its' Anthem to instill the importance of its existence among its citizens. After all a nation is just a binding singularity of its numerous citizens. For us it has to start with our diversity. Our anthem praises our diversity and the unity amongst and goes on to wish victory for the deeds we take in. Ideally when we hear our National Anthem we are not supposed to just stand still (in respect, decency or dignity) but to recite the difficult yet promising path this nation has come so far. Now why do we have to stand up for that? Why can't we just sit and listen? I am just taking a guess here. To stand up means you have to give up what ever you are doing and take a different position. (Americans do the hand on chest gesture). Standing up is not only a sign of respect but also a way of reminding us that "Lose what you are doing, concentrate on the country for a sec!" This helps in diverting our concentration from things we are focused on (don't complain - for Movie theaters its either chit-chat or mobile phones ;) and focus towards the Anthem. Had we been sitting, some one would come and ask "Why can't I chat in my mobile while National Anthem is playing? After all I am not disturbing anyone".. the cycle will only degrade more. We still face political, military, economical, climate and other risks from entities which are outside our country. To neutralize these threats we definitely need to function as a country. The whole world may converge into a single entity. But until then let's respect the country that gives us space to live, movies to watch, friends to spend time and food to eat mercilessly. :) Who knows, by concentrating for a few minutes about the country you may come up with an intelligent idea to improve it. They say ideas happen with lots of concentration and a bit of spark. Jai Hind!

okk so now government will teach us  patriotism !! I respect the feelings of the people who has amended such laws but these things comes too later . When i get to know  NHA 1971 ; questioned myself 'to whom in our country i should proud of ' so that i can get a sense of respect..! I think answer would be SCAMS, POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT blah blah . If you wanna make arise a sense of respect in every people for country  let them acknowledge with facts/suggestions to fight with these evils.If you can do that during Movie Shows i think  that would prove to be an amazing connectivity with normal people.   If we talk about patriotism i think it is an understood object.If someone is disrespecting national symbol/flag / anything concern with nationalism he should be punished but you can not force someone to follow nationalism in your way.

Here's the deal - Standing up for a national anthem is probably the ONLY vaguely patriotic thing you will do ever! Not many of us get a chance to man the front lines or nip corruption in the bud etc etc. Do you really mean to tell me that you are irritated just because of a small, simple gesture of standing up for 52 seconds?

I see that hardly anyone is answering your question. Instead of specifically and unemotionally weighing in on whether or not standing up for the Indian national anthem is legally required, people have chosen to focus on stuff like "decency" and all.

The answer to the question lies in this video,,, And the hauntingly profound lines narrated by Amitabh Bachchan add more than just meaning to the fact that small instances of patriotism trickle down into society and make us that much more proud and happy to be living in India.

You are not legally required to do it. Just adding to amazing answers. I would like to give a very personal reason why you should do it. When you stand straight and do nothing and just listen to the one minute anthem, your mind is relaxed, whole public is silient, every talks stops in the cinema. You get a bit more attentive for watching the movie after this one minute regimie. So, its just in personal benifit to you. Also go to the movie and just enjoy it in that moment. (Don't forget to get your popcorns and soft drinks :)  )

Although we are not legally required to stand up for the national anthem it is wise to do so , at least in the current scenario where aggressive nationalism is fashionable. People, who otherwise are lackadaisical when it comes to caring for the country and its citizens (particularly the poor, underprivileged and the  differently abled) get a sudden rush of adrenaline when they spot an opportunity to display their patriotism in public. you never know when their dissent and disapproval will turn violent. So unless, you want to test their patience and your resilience it is sagacious to stand and oblige. In my opinion, playing the national anthem in theatres is not appropriate. With popcorn and soft-drinks in ones's hands and being in a completely different mood, one cannot truly respect it. Just standing , casually and clumsily, doesn't suffice. When the national anthem is being played one should stand in attention ( like the way we did in school days) and sing along. Love for the country should come from within, it can never be enforced. In fact enforcing such things can only be counter-productive.

Actually its more of our Moral Responsibility then a legal one. Come on, if you can, you should stand for 52 seconds, and just make a representation of respect to the nation, a lot many people had done much more than that to show respect to this country, however corrupt its society is. I know you stood longer at the box office or in the queue to get in. So 52 Seconds wont hurt if your knees are in Good condition. There is no rational way to explain it. Patriotism is like spirituality, You can love your god your way in spirituality and same goes with nation. You vote responsibly, follow all the basic civic rules, know your rights, pay taxes on time and you are a good citizen, whether you can sing the national anthem or not. I do stand silently whenever someone sings the national anthem, because I believe if I start singing it, it would be more like violation of the above said rule :P But yeah, just like religion, in Public places, do not preach people rationality. You can not go inside a Masjid during a Friday Namaaj and ask for the the proof of Allah or go to Juhu on Ganpati Visarjan and tell people that their idol worshiping is causing trouble to the marine life. you'll surely face resistance. Best way to avoid this resistance is to keep the idea to yourself. Its better to stand in a Theatre while National Anthem is being played, then receiving abuses afterwards.

No It is not okay. It will look like a "Batashe mai Makoda" or   "Ant in the Batasha(sweet dish)" Everyone will try to throw you out. Same Incident happen recently in a theatre where the One's family didn't stand up for National Anthem .Then they forced to leave theatre for not standing during national anthem Here is the video@@ Unfortunately this Indian family is Muslim family. . . So It is better to stand up for few minutes and respect the country you're in. Even If you don't want to be a good & responsible citizen.