Don’t make Vande Mataram a religious quarrel

On India's 80th Independence Day, the national song 'Vande Mataram' was first played at the Red Fort, evoking poignant memories of the past. Despite some objections from cultural figures, the song remains a powerful symbol of India’s unity in diversity. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s poem paints a picture of India as a mother figure, encompassing the diverse languages, customs, deities, and philosophies that coexist across the vast land.

Sri Aurobindo saw 'Vande Mataram' as a mantra revealed by the Mother herself, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural interconnectedness among Indians.

Rejecting the notion that 'Vande Mataram' should be limited to its first two stanzas, the writer argues that the song’s imagery transcends religious boundaries. Instead of excluding others, the universal message of strength, prosperity, and knowledge can be valued and celebrated by people of all faiths. The writer emphasizes that India’s unity lies in its civilisation’s asking of eternal questions in myriad ways, rather than conforming to a modern nation-state model.

By viewing India as a Mother, citizens are invited to embrace responsibility and contribute to her well-being, transforming the relationship from a transactional one to a sacred one. The enduring power of 'Vande Mataram' lies in its ability to foster a deeper connection with the nation, reminding us that we are all strands of her being.