'Patriotism doesn't come from gun's barrel'

"I will definitely sing Vande Matram on September 7 on the National Song's centenary just like I do it every day," says Congress leader Salman Khurshid.

Lamenting the way "some people" had made an issue out of a non-issue, Khurshid told rediff.com: "I feel very happy and proud while singing Vande Mataram, but I feel sad when the people argue about it. Patriotism comes from inspiration and not from the barrel of the gun."

"I feel sad when people try to impose Vande Mataram on those who do not feel comfortable about it. But I feel strongly against those who oppose it in the name of religion," he added.

Asserting that he never felt uncomfortable while singing the National Song, the Congress leader said: "I feel just as elated when I sing the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, or Sare Jahan Se Accha."

Attacking those opposed to the use of similes like goddess, Khurshid said, "These are people who do not understand the use of the metaphors or the use of the language."