Baba Ramdev defends Vande Mataram against religious misinterpretations

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has defended the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ against criticisms that its lyrics promote the worship of specific Hindu goddesses. Speaking at events in Uttarakhand and Haryana, Ramdev asserted that the song signifies the worship of ‘Bharat Mata’ (Mother India) rather than specific deities.

Ramdev stated that those who interpret the song as referencing specific goddesses, temples, or monasteries lack a proper understanding of Sanskrit and Indian culture. He described the notion that the song opposes certain religions as ‘intellectual bankruptcy,’ emphasizing that Bharat Mata represents a collective embodiment of faith, knowledge, duty, and devotion for Indians.

Regarding the imagery used in the song, Ramdev explained that the concept of Bharat Mata encompasses the divine essence and that references to her status are intended to highlight her revered position within the cultural tradition rather than to prescribe the worship of a particular deity.