One hundred twenty crore strong Indian population would be a lot happier if unnecessary controversies like compulsion to sing Vande Mataram are not kicked up frequently. India is a country of diverse religions, cultures and languages. The secular principles enshrined in our Constitution demand accommodation of different views and opinions. This is a must for development as a pluralistic nation.
There are many sections in our society which have polytheistic views about God. They do not find it wrong to worship multiple deities as manifestations of God, and for some groups it is not wrong to worship the nation or country as a goddess.
The Muslims are one-seventh of Indian population and not behind any other community in loving and serving the country. They are unique in one respect that they are pure monotheists and do not associate any person, power or thing with God. The comprehensive meaning of vandana, in the light of explanations in Sanskrit and Hindi dictionaries, plus usage, is not merely to praise but to bow with utmost respect, and worship. For those sections who are used to worship multiple gods and goddesses adding the country as one more goddess may be a simple thing. But for Muslims it is unacceptable as it is clearly against their fundamental belief. Associating a person or thing with God is the most unpardonable sin in Islam and every Muslim avoids it. The Muslims love, respect or praise a person with the rider that the “praise” or “all praise” belongs to God alone. They do not have any objection to praising the country and sing sare jahan se achcha Hindustan hamara. But they cannot even think of worshipping a person or thing however great he or it may be.
The Muslims love the country and respect the countrymen but do not worship anyone except God, the Creator, Master, Nourisher, Sustainer and Ruler of the whole universe. Take the case of prophets, the greatest human beings. We have utmost reverence for them but do not worship them at all. The most respected Prophet is Prophet Muhammad. But Muslims do not worship even him. They can’t even think of even worshipping him.
The communal elements, who always want to stoke fires of hatred and promote tensions should desist from spreading canards against the Muslims. They should understand that patriotism does not depend on singing of some song, therefore the singing of Vande Mataram should not be equated with love of country. Indian Muslims are born in this land and have made countless sacrifices for consolidation and development of this country. They love the country so much that even after death they become a part of this soil.
Those who are resorting to divisive methods to pursue their narrow political ends should not question the bona fides of the Muslim community. A political leader has said that those who refuse to sing Vande Mataram should go to Pakistan. This shows the narrow mentality of some people who are obsessed with Pakistan and see their future in constant Indo-Pak conflicts. India would be a safer place if such people keep their mouth shut.
The reality is that the love of motherland demands a continuous fight against moral decay, economic corruption and ethical deprivation. Let us all Indians try to achieve this to make India a great country.