Japanese singer Yoichi Sugawara, who represented Japan at the 1988 Seoul International Song Festival, passed away on May 31st at the age of 92 due to malignant lymphoma. Known for hits like 'I Really Don't Want to Know' and 'Today We Say Goodbye,' he remained active until recently, with a planned concert in May canceled due to declining health.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the mandatory full recitation of Vande Mataram at public events "unnecessary and burdensome," suggesting respect for the national song shouldn't necessitate its complete rendition every time. He noted the ruling BJP's criticism of his stance.
Kerala's new UDF Cabinet oath ceremony sparked a political row after 'Vande Mataram' was recited in full. CPI(M) criticized the move, citing religious references and secularism concerns, while BJP accused CPI(M) of insulting the national song and appeasing vote banks. A similar controversy occurred in Tamil Nadu over song sequencing.
Tamil Nadu's chief minister's swearing-in ceremony sparked controversy as the state song 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third, after the national song and anthem. This deviation from tradition, where the state song usually begins government events, drew strong objections from CPI and the ruling TVK party, which vowed to revert to the established practice.
