As the nation commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram, India's National Song, the Parliament is set to engage in a comprehensive debate on its historical significance and legacy. The discussion, initiated in the Lok Sabha today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promises to be a spirited affair, with senior leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties expected to participate.
Vande Mataram, meaning "I bow to thee, Mother," was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875. It was first published in his 1882 novel Anandamath and quickly evolved into a powerful anthem during India's freedom struggle. The song, written in Sanskritised Bengali, became a rallying cry, inspiring millions to stand against British rule. Its stirring verses, personifying India as a mother goddess, evoked a sense of patriotism and unity among diverse communities.
The song's influence peaked during the Swadeshi movement in the early 20th century. It was sung at political gatherings, protests, and even as freedom fighters faced imprisonment and execution. In 1905, when Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal, the British banned the song, but clandestine recordings kept its message alive. Figures like Rabindranath Tagore, who first sang it at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, and Sri Aurobindo played a key role in popularizing it.
On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted Vande Mataram as the National Song, according it equal status with the National Anthem, "Jana Gana Mana". President Rajendra Prasad affirmed this decision, recognizing the song's historic role in the freedom movement.
However, Vande Mataram has also faced controversies. Some Muslim organizations objected to the song, citing its perceived Hindu imagery and potential conflict with Islamic monotheism. In 1937, the Indian National Congress decided to adopt only the first two stanzas as the national song, a decision that has become a focal point of debate.
Prime Minister Modi has accused the Congress of omitting key stanzas, alleging that this "sowed the seeds of partition". The Congress, however, defends its decision, stating that it was made to maintain unity and inclusivity, taking into account the concerns of various communities. They also emphasize that the decision was influenced by Rabindranath Tagore's advice.
As Parliament engages in this debate, it is essential to remember that Vande Mataram represents more than just a song. It is a symbol of India's struggle for independence, its rich cultural heritage, and the spirit of patriotism that binds its people. The 150th-anniversary commemoration provides an opportunity to reflect on its layered legacy and ensure that conversations around it strengthen, rather than strain, the shared idea of nationhood. The year-long celebrations, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on November 7, 2025, include mass singing events, the release of commemorative stamps and coins, and various outreach programs, especially aimed at the youth, to connect them with the song's revolutionary spirit.
