Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi Objects to Compulsory Singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, Cites Sikh Religious Conscience

NEW DELHI (Nazrana Times) — Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi has submitted an objection to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, opposing any attempt to make the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory for all citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs and freedom of conscience.

The organisation said India is home to numerous religions, philosophies, languages and cultures and argued that the government should consult concerned religious and cultural communities before introducing measures that could come into conflict with their fundamental religious beliefs.
The objection comes against the backdrop of new protocols issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the National Song. The MHA has prescribed the official six-stanza version of “Vande Mataram” and laid down protocols for its rendition at official and other specified occasions. The full version has a duration of approximately three minutes and 10 seconds. (Press Information Bureau⁠)

Parliament has also amended the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extending statutory protection to “Vande Mataram”. The amended provision makes it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of the National Song or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it. (Press Information Bureau⁠)

‘Uniform Imposition Contrary to India’s Pluralistic Character’

Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi said attempts to impose such symbolism uniformly upon India’s diverse population would be contrary to the secular and pluralistic character of the Constitution.

The organisation expressed particular concern over what it described as cultural or religious concepts associated with the Brahmanical tradition being presented as universal expressions that every citizen is expected to adopt.

It maintained that, on grounds of Sikh religious conscience, Sikhs cannot be compelled to sing “Vande Mataram”, citing two fundamental reasons.

Sikh Doctrine Recognises Reverence and Worship of One Creator Alone: Jathebandi

Explaining its first objection, Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi said the fundamental principle of Sikhi is devotion to the One Creator, who is Ajooni — beyond birth and incarnation.

According to the organisation, Sikh doctrine does not permit worship of the created world, human beings, idols, deities or geographical territory as divine.

“The land on which we live may be loved, protected and served, but it cannot become an object of religious worship,” the Jathebandi stated.

It said the later stanzas of “Vande Mataram” portray the Mother in divine form, including references to Durga, Kamala and Vani. The organisation said such religious symbolism may be meaningful and fully acceptable within Brahmanical religious traditions that subscribe to it, and followers of those traditions have every right to express their beliefs.

However, it argued that such concepts cannot be imposed upon Sikhs or followers of other faiths whose religious teachings do not permit such forms of worship.

“Sikhs bow only before the One Creator and regard service to creation as a religious duty; they do not elevate creation to the status of the Creator,” the statement said.

Anandamath’s Historical Context Also Questioned

The Jathebandi’s second objection relates to the historical context of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, published in 1882, of which “Vande Mataram” forms a part.

The organisation noted that a number of scholars and commentators have criticised certain passages of the novel for what they regard as anti-Muslim and hostile portrayals, arguing that such representations can contribute to communal tensions and religious polarisation.

Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi said the Sikh worldview stands in contrast to such an approach.

It cited the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala — the well-being of all humanity without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, race, nationality or gender — which forms part of the Sikh Ardas.

“The Creator of all of us is One, and is Nirvair — without enmity,” the organisation said.

It therefore maintained that Sikhs cannot be expected to adopt religious-nationalist symbolism that, in its view, conflicts with their commitment to the welfare of all humanity, equality, freedom of conscience and the principle of being without enmity.

‘Patriotism Must Be Demonstrated Through Action, Not Enforced Symbolism’

Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi further argued that patriotism should be demonstrated through meaningful action rather than enforced symbolism.

It called upon the government to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure corruption-free administration based on transparency and accountability, safeguard natural resources from pollution and monopolistic exploitation, protect constitutional liberties, and guarantee justice and equality for every citizen.

The organisation urged the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that no Sikh — or citizen belonging to any other religion or belief — is compelled to sing “Vande Mataram” against their religious convictions.

It further called for safeguards to ensure that no individual is punished or discriminated against for declining to sing it on religious grounds.

“Unity is strengthened when citizens of different beliefs are treated equally and are able to participate fully in the progress of the nation without surrendering their religious conscience,” the Jathebandi said.
The representation was issued in the interest of the Kaum and guided by Gurmat on behalf of the Panj-Pardhani Council, comprising S. Nirmal Singh (Victoria, Canada), S. Gurpreet Singh GP (Bahrain), Dr. Khushhal Singh (Chandigarh), Giani Amritpal Singh (Ludhiana), and S. Satbir Singh (Delhi).