Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Muslims can sing Vande Mataram

BERGALURU, Nov 10: In a significant development, Darul-Uloom and the Ulemas of Deoband, hae changed their 12-year-old stand on Vande Mataram to bring the Hindu-Muslim communities closer. This development took place yesterday after one-hour long meeting between the Ulema and spiritual and humanitarian leader, His Hollness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, The Art of Living. Present at the meeting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, honourable Maulana Margub Urrehman of Darul-Uloom, Darul, Muftl Habibur Rehman, who issued the fatwa 12 years ago, Mufti Ehsaan Qasmi and Usman Mansoorpuri of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. Ulema said that they do not have any objection to the National song and have left it upto the conscience of Muslims who should decide for themselves whether they want to sing the song or not. However, Maulana Khalik Madrasl of Darul Uloom also said that the 12 year old fatwa on Vande Matram cannot be recalled now. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ravi Shankar said, “I told them that Vande doesn’t just mean puja or prayer but also means thanks giving. The first lines of Vande Mataram are not objectionable in any way. This issue should not be given more importance. The Country is above all and there should be no rift between the Hindu and Muslims.” Quoting a supreme court judgment , Ravi Shankar also said that no one should be pressurized to sing Vande Mataram. In contionuation of his efforts to bring people together, he also urged everyone not to rake up issues that can provoke sentiments of either community and said, “It is important to maintain communication links to avoid misunderstandings. Through peaceful talk and dialogue we can solve any issue and transform any situation. We have a progressive outlook.” This was stated in press release.