India, March 8 -- Amid an ongoing controversy over the directive of mandatory recitation of Vande Mataram at state govenment events, educational institutions, and legislative Assembly proceedings in Nagaland, students and research scholars of Nagaland University reportedly boycotted the national song during the institution's eighth convocation ceremony.

Videos circulating on social media showed students and scholars remaining seated when the song was played at the beginning and conclusion of the convocation ceremony, held at the Lumami campus in Zunheboto district on Friday. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the event as the chief guest.

The protest by the Nagaland University Students' Union followed a boycott call issued by t...