Bhubaneswar, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has described objections to singing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ over its references to Hindu deities as a “childish way of thinking”, arguing that language, literature and cultural expressions should not be viewed through a narrow religious lens.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Angmo said debates over whether people belonging to other faiths could sing ‘Vande Mataram’ were misplaced. She compared the issue with Urdu poetry and Sanskrit literature, saying that engaging with a language or literary tradition does not alter a person’s religious identity.
Angmo said references to Hindu deities in the song could also be understood symbolically. She noted that Durga can represent power and Lakshmi abundance, while arguing that a work of art should not be altered simply because of objections to particular references.
She said ‘Vande Mataram’ has a deeper cultural and civilisational significance and should be brought back into public memory, particularly among young people.
Referring to Sri Aurobindo’s interpretation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Anandamath’, Angmo said the motherland was viewed not merely as geographical territory but as a living entity and a form of “Shakti”.
Welcoming the renewed emphasis on the national song, she said it had always held that status but had gradually faded from collective memory. She described the recent singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ from the Red Fort on Independence Day as a welcome development.
On the role of politics, Angmo said political agendas could sometimes create divisions by encouraging people to distance themselves from their cultural roots. She argued that harmony should not mean making everyone identical, but allowing people to express their identities while respecting those of others.
Using examples ranging from jigsaw puzzles and botanical gardens to diverse agricultural systems, she said differences can create a stronger and more cohesive society.
Angmo also highlighted India’s history of cultural assimilation, saying influences from different traditions could be embraced without abandoning indigenous heritage. Citing former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s engagement with the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and Sri Aurobindo, she said people should learn from different traditions without fearing that their religious identity would be compromised.
She further rejected the idea that emphasis on ‘Vande Mataram’ should come at the expense of issues such as poverty and unemployment. Instead, she said the sentiment associated with the song could inspire citizens to work towards addressing such challenges.
Angmo called for a shift from asking “What can India do for me?” to “What can I do for India?”, saying nation-building should be viewed as a responsibility shared by every citizen.
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