On December 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a special debate in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s national song. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the late 19th century, the song became a symbol of courage, unity, and the country’s freedom struggle.
PM Modi described Vande Mataram in reality embodies India’s spirit. He noted that when the song turned 50, India was still under British rule, and when it reached 100, the country faced the Emergency, a period he said “silenced the nation.”
The Prime Minister criticised the Congress, saying that in 1937, under pressure from the Muslim League, certain stanzas were removed, weakening the song’s full message. He claimed these compromises “sowed the seeds of Partition” and reflected a history of political appeasement that affected India’s cultural legacy.
PM Modi urged citizens and lawmakers to honour Vande Mataram by embracing its values and working toward a united, stronger India. Linking it to his vision of a “developed India by 2047,” he emphasised that respecting historical symbols is key to nation-building.
The debate also revived discussion about the missing stanzas. While some argue they were removed to ensure religious inclusivity, PM Modi framed it as an example of how political decisions sometimes diluted India’s cultural heritage.
Opposition parties, particularly Congress, are expected to respond, pointing out that the edits were meant to maintain harmony. The session has brought the national song back into public conversation, reminding citizens of the importance of preserving and respecting India’s historical and cultural legacy.
