Vande Mataram not linked to idol worship: Minority Commission

Jaipur, Sept 6 (UNI) Terming the controversy over singing of the national song Vande Mataram as unfortunate, members of Rajasthan State Minority Commission (RSMC) contended the song is in praise of the motherland and should not be linked with idol worship.

"The national song does not encourage idol worship in any way as feared by some communities and only praises the motherland, it is beyond caste and religion and singing it should make one feel proud and honoured," RSMC chairman Jasbir Singh said.

The chorus singng of the song can energise the future generations and will remind them of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, he said.

"Those opposing the singing are unable to comprehend the significance of the song," he said adding the patriotic song inspired lakhs of freedom fighters to fight against all odds to gain independence for the country.

Haji Abdul Aalim Saiyad, Saiyad Ibrahim Faqar, Ji Khan and Rodney Castellas - members of RSMC said the state government orders' were in consonance with the centre's directive to sing the song in all educational institutions on Sept 7, the beginning of the centenary year of writing of the song.

The state government's order should be followed in all respects on Sept 7, they said.

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