PHOTO: V.V. KRISHNAN

SINGING VANDE MATARAM: The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sings Vande Mataram at a function at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday. He said ``Vande'' did not mean puja but it was about worshipping India. Everybody should sing the song together.

New Delhi: Terming the controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram as "unfortunate," the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said on Thursday that the national song was not aimed at idol worship, and that all Indians should sing it.

"The song is a symbol of devotion towards the motherland. It is unfortunate that Vande Mataram has been made a subject of controversy. This controversy should end now," he said, addressing BJP workers who gathered at the party headquarters here to recite the song.

Mr. Vajpayee led the gathering, which included a number of Muslims and Sikhs, in singing Vande Mataram. "We do not aim at idol worship [through rendition of Vande Mataram]. Those who do not believe in idol worship are free to pray in their own way. But when it comes to worshipping India, our motherland, there should be no controversy."

"When we say `Vande', it does not mean that we are performing a `puja'. It is about bowing before our motherland and showing respect towards her. There should not be any doubt about this."

Mr. Vaypayee was apparently referring to the Centre's decision to keep the rendition of Vande Mataram optional and also the objections raised by representatives of the Muslim and Sikh communities to the singing of the song. "Everybody should sing the song together."

The song should not be associated with any one community. "It is for all communities to worship the motherland."

"Vande Mataram has been with us through thick and thin, in times of victory as well as defeat, in prosperity and in poverty," he said.

The song was associated with India's struggle for Independence and had inspired freedom fighters. "It is not just a song for us. It is a pledge of devotion towards the country." BJP vice-president Bal Apte and Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan were present on the occasion. — PTI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail