AIMPLB initiates efforts to end Vande Mataram controversy

Lucknow, Sep 5 (UNI) All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) today initiated efforts to resolve the Vande Mataram controversy by suggeting a meeting of Sanskrit and Muslim scholars to define the meaning of the word Vande.

AIMPLB vice-president Maulana Kalbe Sadiq said while the controversy was a non-issue, it would be better if a group of Sanskrit and Muslim scholars could define the meaning of the Sanskrit term 'Vande'.

''If the word means salutation, we have no problem in singing the national song. But at the same time if it means worship, we as Muslims cannot worship anyone else than one God,'' he said.

He also displayed the meaning of Vande as found in the online edition of Webster's dictionary. He said the dictionary defined 'Vande' as worship.

The Maulana maintained parents should not keep children away from schools on September 7, when Vande Mataram would be sung in schools across the country. He said Muslim students could stand with their class-mates. ''But they can avoid the word 'Vande','' he added.

He said by not sending students to schools would mean a loss of day's education.

The cleric said the controversy was generated by the BJP.

''Singing of the national song was the problem of that party, not Muslims,'' he added.

He also asked the BJP leadership to reign in Muslims leaders who instead of pulling in more members of the minorty community into party fold were repulsing them by making immature statements.

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