The Hindu : Front Page : SGPC appeals to Sikh institutions not to sing "Vande Mataram" on Sept. 7

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 06, 2006

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SGPC appeals to Sikh institutions not to sing "Vande Mataram" on Sept. 7

Staff Correspondent

Imposing a song reflecting one religion bound to hurt sentiments of religious minorities: SGPC chief

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Jathedar Avtar Singh has appealed toinstitutions, especially schools and colleges, run by the Sikh community not to sing "Vande Mataram" on September 7.

In a statement, Jathedar Singh appealed to the community to sing the hymn, authored by Guru Gobind Singh, "De Shiva bar mohe eh, subh karman te kabhon na taron" (Oh Lord, grant me this boon, that I may not hesitate from performing action).

He said India was a multi-religious and multi-lingual nation. Hence imposing a song that reflected just one religion was bound to hurt the sentiments of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other religious minorities.

The "Vande Mataram" centenary celebration was a political move of the Congress to appease the Hindu community through a campaign in which public funds were being utilised, he charged.

"The entire effort would sow seeds of communalism in the national fabric."

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