Jammu, Aug. 23 -- Very few songs in India's national life evoke as much emotion, pride, and reverence as Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his novel Anandmath (1882). The song became the rallying cry of India's freedom movement and inspired countless patriots to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Yet, despite glorious history and immense contribution to the struggle for independence, Vande Mataram continues to be the subject of periodic controversies.
The phrase "Vande Mataram" literally means "I bow to thee, My Mother." For millions of Indians, the 'Mother' signifies the 'motherland India' herself. Critics, however, occasionally objected to certain portions of the song, arguing that some verses contain imagery inc...