Opposing Vande Mataram is opposing the soul of India & freedom struggle: Dr. Abhijeet Jasrotia
Jammu, 02 January 2025: Vande Mataram is above religion, below none as the patriotism forms the very foundation of every religion, asserted Dr. Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia, Spokesperson, J&K BJP, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. He was accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, and Sunil Prajapati, Seh-Prabhari, BJP OBC Morcha, J&K BJP.
Dr. Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia strongly condemned attempts by certain vested interests to create unnecessary controversy over the singing of Vande Mataram by giving it a communal colour. He said it was deeply unfortunate that some groups are trying to portray patriotism as conflicting with religion, stating bluntly that such thinking reflects a dangerous mindset. Those who believe religion is above the nation are deliberately weakening the spirit of India, he said.
Dr. Abhijeet reminded that when Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Vande Mataram, the nation was collectively fighting British imperialism. He said that historic struggle was not confined to any one religion. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others stood shoulder to shoulder under one slogan “Vande Mataram” and laid down their lives for the motherland, he asserted.
Dr. Abhijeet highlighted that legendary freedom fighters like Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan and Abdul Qadir embraced martyrdom while chanting Vande Mataram. He said those promoting radical narratives today should introspect whether they can even match the patriotism of such great Muslims who kissed the noose for Bharat. He also recalled Bismil Azimabadi, the Muslim poet who penned Sarfroshi ki Tamanna, words that echoed from the lips of Ram Prasad Bismil before his execution, a shining symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity that secured India’s freedom.
Referring to the Partition, Dr. Jasrotia said that two nations were carved out on religious lines, and those who stayed back in India consciously chose the nation above religion. Anyone questioning that choice today is questioning the sacrifices of their own ancestors and exposing their lack of sincerity towards the country, he remarked.
Dr. Abhijeet accused Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru of deliberately omitting certain stanzas of Vande Mataram to appease leaders like Jinnah, adding that those who opposed the spirit of Vande Mataram chose Pakistan, while those who embraced it remained in India.
Recalling the formation of Ladakh Scouts after the Kargil War, Dr. Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia said it was a powerful example of Buddhists and Muslims uniting purely for patriotism. He further asserted that opposing Vande Mataram today is nothing but opposing the soul of India and the legacy of the freedom struggle.
