Author:
Publication: Mumbai Mirror
Date: September 1, 2006
Introduction: Madrasa board chairman tells
5,300 madrasas in the state that there is no harm in praising the motherland
The Vande Mataram controversy may die a resounding
death in Madhya Pradesh as students of madrasas have been told that there
is nothing wrong in singing the national song.
Madrasa board chairman S K Muddin told IANS,
"The board has decided to send a circular to all the 5,300 registered
madrasas across the state. Those opposing the singing of the national song
are no different than separatists. There is no harm in praising the motherland."
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other
Sangh Parivar outfits have been insisting on students in all schools singing
the song on September 7 to mark its centenary. The Bharatiya janata Party-led
state government has sent circulars to all educational institutes to ensure
recitation of Vande Mataram.
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) -
the youth wing of the BJP - has decided to take out Vande Mataram rallies
across the 584 blocks of the state.
However, a section of Muslims objected saying
it is 'un-Islamic'.
MP Jamiat Ulema spokesperson Yusuf Zai said
it was 'improper' to make the recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory in educational
institutes as sections of Muslims are opposed to select parts of the song.
He suggested that the national song be replaced with 'Saare jahan Se Achha'.
However, All-India Muslim Women's Personal
Law Board president Shaista Ambar, during her recent visit to the state, said
that singing of Vande Mataram is not 'un-Islamic'.
- IANS
