Prime minister Narendra Modi addressed the lok sabha on monday during a special discussion commemorating the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.
Modi described the song as a “mantra” and a powerful slogan that energised India’s freedom struggle and inspired citizens to fight for independence.
🟢 Accusation Against congress and Nehru
Modi criticised the congress party for allegedly compromising on national pride, claiming it bowed down to the Muslim League’s objections to Vande Mataram.
He stated that jawaharlal nehru agreed with Muhammad ali Jinnah’s sentiment against the song, instead of standing up for it.
Modi questioned why the national song was sidelined despite its historic contribution to the freedom movement.
🟢 Gandhi’s Views and the “Injustice” to the Song
Modi cited mahatma Gandhi’s 1905 opinion, stating that Vande Mataram had become so popular that it had essentially emerged as a national anthem during the independence movement.
Raised the question:
“If Vande Mataram was so popular, why was injustice done to it, and why was it betrayed in the last century?”
🟢 Historical and Cultural Significance
Vande Mataram was written during a period when british rulers were attempting to propagate their anthem “God Save the Queen” across India.
The song became a symbol of unity, sacrifice, collective consciousness, and patriotism during the freedom struggle.
🟢 Timeline of Major Anniversaries Highlighted
Modi linked the commemoration with other major national milestones:
75 years of the Constitution
150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai patel and Birsa Munda
350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur
He stated that earlier anniversaries were overshadowed by challenging phases:
50th anniversary → british rule
100th anniversary → Emergency; patriots imprisoned
🟢 Conclusion – Reclaiming Pride
Modi said the 150-year celebration is a moment to restore pride in India’s legacy.
He emphasised that remembering Vande Mataram is a way to reconnect with the nation’s freedom struggle and honour the sacrifices that led to independence.
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