JAMMU, Sep 25: Senior BJP leader Raman Suri has hailed the successful culmination of the “One Crore Vande Mataram” mass singing campaign, describing the participation of more than one crore students, citizens, organisations and institutions across India as a powerful expression of patriotism, national unity and respect for the motherland and national song.
Suri particularly appreciated the participation of Bharati Vidya Mandir institutes where thousands of students, teachers, acharyas and alumni enthusiastically joined the collective singing of Vande Mataram.
He said all campuses of Vidya Bharati institutions reverberated with the chants of Vande Mataram, creating an atmosphere of patriotism and strengthening among students the values of national unity, love for the country and commitment to the motherland. Such programmes, he said, play an important role in nurturing national consciousness among the younger generation.
Raman Suri said the overwhelming participation in the campaign demonstrates that Vande Mataram continues to hold a special place in India’s national consciousness and is deeply associated with the country’s freedom struggle and patriotic spirit. He said the participation of people from different walks of life, including students and social and cultural organisations, has given a strong message of unity.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Suri said that political differences are a part of democracy, but respect for the law of the land and the nation’s symbols and national song must remain above partisan politics. “Congress leaders should learn that disagreement with a government or a political party cannot become a reason to disregard the law, constitutional propriety or the sentiments attached to the nation’s national symbols,” he said.
Suri said patriotism cannot be the property of any political party and that every citizen has an equal responsibility to uphold national dignity. He urged political parties to rise above political considerations when matters concerning national unity, constitutional values and respect for the country are involved.
Congratulating Vidya Bharati, the students, teachers, alumni and all organisations and citizens associated with the campaign, Suri said that the collective voice of more than one crore people singing “Vande Mataram” represents a powerful expression of India’s unity in diversity and the enduring spirit of patriotism.