Chennai: In a significant development, Darul-Uloom and the Ulemas of Deoband, have changed their 12-year-old stand on rendering Vande Mataram to bring the Hindu-Muslim communities closer.

This development took place yesterday after a one-hour long meeting between the Ulema and Spiritual Guru and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living. Present at the meeting with Sri Sri, were Maulana Margub Urrrehman of Darul-Uloom, Darul Iftah in charge Mufti Habibur Rehman, who issued the fatwa 12 years ago, Mufti Ehsaan Qasmi and Usman Mansoorpuri of the Jamiat Ulema e Hind, an Art of Living press release here said.

Ulema said they do not have any objection to the National song and have left it to the conscience of Muslims who should decide for themselves whether they want to sing the song or not.

However, Maulana Khalik Madrasi of Darul Uloom also said that the 12 year-old fatwa on Vande Matram cannot be recalled now. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sri Sri said, "I told them that 'Vande' doesnt just mean 'puja' or prayer, but it is also thanksgiving. The first lines of Vande Mataram are not objectionable in any way. This issue should not be given undue importance. The country is above all and there should be no rift between Hindus and Muslims."

Quoting a Supreme Court judgment, Sri Sri also said that no one should be pressurised to sing Vande Mataram. In continuation of His efforts to bring people together, Sri Sri also urged everyone not to rake up issues which could provoke sentiments of either community and said, "It is important to maintain communication links to avoid misunderstandings. Through peaceful talk and dialogue, we can solve any issue and transform any situation. We have to have a progressive outlook," the release said.