This refers to the article “Controversy over ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan” (March 22). It seems a debate on the issue is becoming rampant in the country. My imagination fails to understand why a slogan like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is being narrowly interpreted as having religious overtones and being plunge upon the entire nation by a single group, instead of being viewed rightly as an inspiring slogan that united the nation during freedom struggle and as a phrase of Love and respect to our motherland? It is not only a slogan but also a great anthem which were used by every Indian irrespective of the member of any religion very proudly before and after the independence. There is no law required to respect our Holy mother Nation by uttering the words “Bharat Mata ki jai”. One must read Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘India before Independence’ to understand how communalism entered our mindset. Though chanting and worshipping Mother India was done with good intentions to fight against the British, there were people who tried to force the same on others by saying either worship Mother India or you are an anti-national.
In its original sense, Bharat Mata is the personification of India as a mother goddess. The inspiration behind this conception was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel, Anandamath, which is loosely based on what is known as the Sannyasi rebellion of late 18th century. No religion prohibits expression of such love to the country to which one belongs. Our country is unique and gave us democracy instead of monarchy or theocracy. Let’s not divide ourselves by opposing or forcing our views on others.
Vinod C. Dixit
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
