Paralympian Deepa Malik‏: 'Only time I miss my legs is when I can't stand up for my National Anthem'

The Supreme Court last Monday directed the Centre to take a call on the playing of the national anthem in public places, including cinema halls.

However, this has sparked a debate, with some people calling for a mandatory playing of the national anthem as well as making people stand when it is being played. On the other hand, many believe that respect should not be forced and should come from within.

Paralympian Deepa Malik recently posted a tweet highlighting the importance of National Anthem in an athlete's life. Malik, mother of two, overcame a spinal tumour, 31 surgeries and 183 stitches to win India a Silver medal at the Rio Paralympics.​  

She wrote, "The only time I miss my legs is when I can't stand up for my #National Anthem." 

The only time I miss my legs is when I can't stand up for my #NationalAnthem @narendramodi @PMOIndia @ArnabGOffice @republic @Ra_THORe pic.twitter.com/e88eRowPPY

— Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete) October 26, 2017

Cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently, in a Tweet, has questioned those who are not in favour of standing up for the national anthem in theatres. He wrote, "Standin n waitin outsid a club:20 mins.Standin n waitin outsid favourite restaurant 30 mins.Standin for national anthem: 52 secs. Tough? (sic)"

Not only India but standing up during the National anthem has been a hot topic in USA also where many players have chosen to kneel during the singing of the anthem to express their protest against discrimination. President Donald Trump, however has criticised such players accusing them of insulting the national flag and the anthem.