Again, the controversy over reciting Vande Mataram has erupted and is occupying the first page in newspapers ..I agree that it is our national song and there can be no two opinions on the need to respect it. It was first recited 100 years back and had incited such passions that people died reciting it and fighting the British raj. The Britishers just hated the song, considered it as a symbol of our national unity and punished people for reciting it. Hence, it is a well considered decision to celebrate the 100th year of its reciting.

But the issue lies elsewhere. From an issue of national unity and pride, it is becoming a national controversy thanks to our politicians and religious saviors. First the Congress Govt made it compulsory to recite it in schools on 7th september...then came the opposition from the religion side..alas??who will lose the votes of crores of people?? So the Govt made it voluntary to recite it... Now, how can the other side be quite?? They have raised objections to considering it as an assault on the national song.

With so many controversies created by this issue, I feel this way...It is our national song and no one should have objections to it..after all, from what I understand, only the first two stanzas of the five stanzas of the song were approved to be part of our national song which describe the beauty of our motherland. They get translated as

"I bow to thee, Mother, richly watered, richly fruited,cool with the winds of the south,dark with the crops of the harvests,the Mother!Her nights rejoicing in the glory ofthe moonlight, her hands clothed beautifully with her trees in floweringbloom, sweet of laughter, sweet of speech, the Mother, giver of boonsgiver of bliss "

I dont think there is anything communal in these lines. It will only be every one's pleasure to sing this song of national unity.

But the issue is should this be made compulsory?? After all, we all have childish behaviors...when we are told to do something, we will steadfastly oppose it and when we are told not to do something, we will ensure that it is done. Hence, it is no surprise that when this is made compulsory, some sections of the society felt it offending and when it was made voluntary, the other section is offended. While I still feel there is nothing to be offended in these stanzas, it is the egos of these poeple that is creating a ruckus out of this issue. The Government should have celebrated it advising its citizens to recite it. By changing stances, the Government has given opportunity to various sections to clash among themselves and further polarise the society on communal lines. Nothing happens on making it compulsory. It has to come from the heart. Why only educational institutions? why not each citizen?? Should only students only be patriotic?? Thus, instead of making it a proud centenary celebration, the Govt has made it a religious issue by its flip-flop handling.

Having talked about the controversy, one is reminded of the other issues. There is not much discussion happening on even important issues like corruption. We have to do a lot on infrastructure, on terrorism, on poverty eradication, improving education and so many other priorities. It is time we put our collective energy on these issues rather than making an issue out of something that should come out of one's heart.