‘Vande Mataram’ should be India’s national anthem : Pujya Ramgiri Maharaj, Mahant, Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj Sansthan

‘Jana-Gana-Mana’ written by Rabindranath Tagore for George V is not the national anthem

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – “We stand for the national anthem before a movie screening; however, the song ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 to welcome George V. It is not appropriate to consider such a song as our national anthem. This must change, and Vande Mataram should be made our national anthem,” demanded Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, the head of Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj Sansthan in Ahilyanagar. He expressed these views during the release of a movie trailer.

Pujya Ramgiri Maharaj elaborated, “George V was a British king who oppressed Indians. Rabindranath Tagore sang this song in his honour. The lyrics of ‘Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya He Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ refer to him as the ‘dispenser of India’s destiny.’ Tagore’s contributions to the field of education are significant, but during that era, praising the British was unavoidable for those working within the system.”

My statement was not about disrespecting national anthem but about stating facts

Pujya Ramgiri Maharaj further clarified, “What I have said about the national anthem is not about disrespecting it, but about stating the facts. History should be corrected. The national anthem should glorify the nation, and that is my demand.”

Current films attempt to tarnish the image of Saints

He also criticised modern cinema, saying, “Today’s films attempt to tarnish the image of Saints and Sages. On the other hand, they never dare to portray any maulana in a negative light. The tolerant nature of Hindu Dharma has been exploited. So far, films have tried to defame Sanatan Dharma. However, in recent times, there has been increased awareness in society, and now, films presenting the correct narrative are being made. This will benefit society.”