Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani Slams Mandatory Vande Mataram Directive
In a strong rebuke, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani has vehemently criticized the Union Government's recent decision to mandate the singing of all six stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' at schools, colleges, and official functions. Madani asserted that this move reflects "electoral politics and a sectarian agenda," sparking a heated debate on constitutional rights and religious freedom.
Constitutional Violations Alleged
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Madani elaborated on his concerns, stating, "The Central Government's unilateral and coercive decision to make 'Vande Mataram' the national song and to mandate all its stanzas in all government programmes, schools, colleges, and functions is not only a blatant attack on the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of India but also a systematic attempt to curtail the constitutional rights of minorities."
He further argued that the directive contradicts the fundamental beliefs of monotheistic religions, emphasizing that forcing Muslims to sing the song violates Article 25 of the Constitution. "Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing 'Vande Mataram'; however, some verses of the song are based on beliefs that portray the homeland as a deity, which contradict the fundamental belief of monotheistic religions," Madani explained.
Government Directives and Protocols
The controversy stems from a recent order issued by the Union Home Ministry on January 28, which outlines the first set of protocols for singing the national song. The directives specify that:
- All six stanzas of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, must be sung first whenever the national song and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana are played together.
- The performance of all six stanzas, lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds, is required at official functions such as the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the national flag, and governors' speeches.
- In schools, activities should begin with the playing of the national song.
- The assembly must stand at attention when the national song is performed, except during newsreels or documentaries to avoid disruption.
This move coincides with the 150th anniversary of the creation of Vande Mataram, adding historical context to the government's initiative.
Broader Implications and Criticism
Madani's remarks highlight a broader concern about the implications of such mandates. He stated, "Since a Muslim worships only one Allah, forcing him to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court. Making this song mandatory and attempting to impose it on citizens is not an expression of patriotism; rather, it reflects electoral politics, a sectarian agenda, and a deliberate effort to divert public attention from fundamental issues."
The debate raises questions about the balance between national symbols and individual religious freedoms, with critics arguing that the directive could marginalize minority communities. As the government pushes forward with these protocols, the response from various sectors of society is likely to intensify, shaping discussions on inclusivity and constitutional rights in India.
