Hindu saints dismayed at opposition to 'Vande Mataram'
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Several Hindu saints have expressed dismay over a section of Muslims opposing to singing the Vande Mataram, India's national song.
Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and several other saints have also instructed all Hindu religious places and congregations to start singing the Vande Mataram, according to a press release issued by the Art of Living Foundation.
"Religious intolerance has to stop somewhere. Today, it's Vande Mataram, tomorrow it could be refusing to say 'Namaste' or seeking the removal of the saffron colour from the national flag. This will harm the composite culture and social fabric of India," the release quoted them as saying.
The song had come in for controversy in recent days with several Muslims, including the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, saying that the song was "against Islamic beliefs".
Their comments had come in the wake of a central government directive to states for recitation of 'Vande Mataram' in educational institutions during a celebration on September 7 to mark the national song's centenary.
The issue has also rocked the Parliament, which is currently in session.
In the release, the saints also urged the Prime Minister not to ignore Hindu religious leaders and interact with them as he often does with ulemas.
They also called upon Muslim intellectuals to condemn the attempt to insult the national song in the name of religion.
Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and several other saints have also instructed all Hindu religious places and congregations to start singing the Vande Mataram, according to a press release issued by the Art of Living Foundation.
"Religious intolerance has to stop somewhere. Today, it's Vande Mataram, tomorrow it could be refusing to say 'Namaste' or seeking the removal of the saffron colour from the national flag. This will harm the composite culture and social fabric of India," the release quoted them as saying.
The song had come in for controversy in recent days with several Muslims, including the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, saying that the song was "against Islamic beliefs".
Their comments had come in the wake of a central government directive to states for recitation of 'Vande Mataram' in educational institutions during a celebration on September 7 to mark the national song's centenary.
The issue has also rocked the Parliament, which is currently in session.
In the release, the saints also urged the Prime Minister not to ignore Hindu religious leaders and interact with them as he often does with ulemas.
They also called upon Muslim intellectuals to condemn the attempt to insult the national song in the name of religion.
Labels: Vande Mataram
1 Comments:
Vande Mataram, the song of our freedom struggle is struggling to retain its existence. Extremists like Syed Imam Bukhari are out to label it anti-Islamic. It is astonishing and deplorable to see how our national song, commanding the highest honour, renders itself to the polarised views of different political parties and communities.
Vande Mataram, our national song authored by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, does not allude to any religious sentiments. The song held sway during the freedom movement and was the motivating fulcrum around which the selfless citizens and leaders fought against the British. It inspired millions and brought under its spell nationalist leaders to sacrifice their lives and work for the liberation of India.
Then why our politicians are taking national song as an ego?
If you like to read more about this controversial topic, I have to suggest a very good article written by Veeresha B.M.
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