08-21-2006, 01:46 AM
<b>Directive on Vande Mataram 'voluntary in nature': Arjun </b>
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Varanasi, Aug 20 (PTI) Seeking to quell the controversy over a Central directive for the recitation of Vande Mataram in educational institutions, Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today said the measure was not mandatory.
The HRD Ministry's directive to states for recitation of Vande Mataram during a celebration on September seven to mark the national song's centenary was <b>"voluntary in nature", </b>Singh told a gathering at a minority academic institution at Jamia Salfiya in Raja Telab locality here.
The recitation of the song was aimed at paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs, he said.
"The song should not be viewed otherwise," Singh said referring to protests by the Samajwadi Party and some Muslim organisations over the directive. ............<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Lets start kalama in schools.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->
Varanasi, Aug 20 (PTI) Seeking to quell the controversy over a Central directive for the recitation of Vande Mataram in educational institutions, Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today said the measure was not mandatory.
The HRD Ministry's directive to states for recitation of Vande Mataram during a celebration on September seven to mark the national song's centenary was <b>"voluntary in nature", </b>Singh told a gathering at a minority academic institution at Jamia Salfiya in Raja Telab locality here.
The recitation of the song was aimed at paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs, he said.
"The song should not be viewed otherwise," Singh said referring to protests by the Samajwadi Party and some Muslim organisations over the directive. ............<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Lets start kalama in schools.