It is very sad that singing `Vande Mataram' is again in the midst of controversy.
Decades ago, we sang `Akhilanda Mandalam' (a rough transalation of Vande Materam in Malayalam) every morning and Jana Gana Mana every evening in our school. In primary school, not even knowing the full meaning of words, I used to feel a special elation while singing these. Our teachers taught us young kids some history; some historical stories too. Decades later, still I love listening to the song/anthem, love humming them, and feel elated.
The opposition to 'Vande Mataram' comes from illiteracy and narrow mindedness. Where people do need a physical act to represent an emotion, we can only pity on them. `Vande' is not the physical action of bowing one's head or joining palms in salute; `Vande' is the emotional level of paying respect.
Dont allow the West Asian rudeness rule over the Indian emotions. singing Vande Mataram should be made mandatory in Schools at all costs. It is not disrespect to your God; it has got nothing to do with your god of belief. It is just a question of loving your mother.
