They don't know Sanskrit, Indian culture: Ramdev hits out at Vande Mataram critics

Ramdev Defends Vande Mataram Against Critics

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday defended the national song "Vande Mataram" against criticism that it invokes the worship of Hindu deities, saying those interpreting it as a reference to Durga, temples or monasteries lack an understanding of Sanskrit and Indian culture. Speaking at an event in Karnal, Haryana, Ramdev said Bharat Mata has been accorded a central place in Indian cultural tradition and described the motherland as the embodiment of everything sacred for Indians, including knowledge, duty, faith and devotion.

Ramdev said those questioning "Vande Mataram" should first understand its cultural and linguistic context instead of interpreting references to the motherland as worship of specific Hindu deities. "Some people have not studied Sanskrit. They say that in 'Vande Mataram', someone is worshipping Durga or a temple or monastery," Ramdev said, as reported by India Today. He argued that for Indians, Bharat Mata itself represents the divine and sacred, and references to the motherland should not be equated with the worship of any particular deity.

He said Bharat Mata was regarded as "our temple, our worship, our duty, our purpose, our destination and our dharma." Ramdev also referred to the cultural imagery of the motherland possessing the strength to wield "ten weapons," saying such descriptions conveyed the revered status of Bharat Mata rather than prescribed the worship of a particular goddess.

"We have not worshipped Saraswati or Durga there," he said, hitting out at those who connect the references in "Vande Mataram" to temples and Hindu deities and then portray the song as being opposed to a particular religion or culture. Ramdev termed such an interpretation "intellectual bankruptcy" and said people needed to develop a better understanding of Sanskrit and Indian culture before drawing conclusions about the song.

Ramdev Responds to Brij Bhushan Singh

In a separate but related development, Ramdev also hit back at former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over his reported remarks about him. As reported by The Tribune, Ramdev said he did not need a "certificate" from anyone for his contribution to yoga, Ayurveda and the promotion of swadeshi. "I have nothing to say about a person whose thinking is petty and cheap," Ramdev said, adding that his contribution to yoga, Ayurveda and swadeshi was well known.

He also defended Patanjali products, saying there was no question mark over their quality when tested in "world-class laboratories." He said people who made "big claims but cheap remarks" did not deserve a response from him. Singh had recently made remarks about Ramdev, his products and brand, as well as the issue of swadeshi, at an event in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.

Advocacy for Education and Electoral Reforms

Ramdev was speaking to mediapersons in Karnal, where he inaugurated the newly constructed first and second floors of the hostel building at Ved Vidya Gurukulam in Nalvi Khurd village. Asked whether he was planning to launch a movement, Ramdev said the biggest movement should focus on transforming the country's education system. He advocated "One Nation, One Education" along with "One Nation, One Election," saying the two reforms could bring significant changes to the country.

"Around 25-30 per cent of teachers are consumed in election-related duties and then questions are raised over the quality of education," he said, advocating a uniform education system across the country with the inclusion of the Indian knowledge system.

Reacting to protests at Jantar Mantar, Ramdev said political power could not be achieved through disruption or anarchy and stressed that the country must function according to constitutional and democratic principles. "If you want to become the Prime Minister, come through the votes of the people. Creating disorder or disturbing peace will not achieve anything," he said.

Ramdev also questioned the participation of very young children in protests, saying children aged five, seven or 10 should not be used in such activities. He said political movements should involve people above 18 years of age, as reported by both India Today and The Tribune.