Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a forceful rebuttal in the Rajya Sabha as he defended the national legacy of Vande Mataram. He accused the Opposition of deliberately linking the commemorative discussion on the song’s 150th anniversary to the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Shah insisted that Vande Mataram belongs to the entire nation and not to any single state.
Opening the discussion, Amit Shah emphasised that Parliament had gathered to honour the spirit and historical weight of Vande Mataram. He urged the youth to understand the song’s deep connection to India’s freedom struggle.
Amit Shah said the anthem carries the emotions, sacrifices, and cultural pride that shaped the nation. He expressed hope that this understanding would inspire future generations to contribute to building a stronger India.
The Home Minister criticised Opposition leaders for questioning the need for such a discussion.
Shah argued that honouring Vande Mataram was essential during the independence movement, remains relevant today, and will continue to hold significance as India strives toward its 2047 vision. He said the debate serves as a reminder of national unity and cultural identity.
Responding to claims that the discussion was politically motivated due to the Bengal elections, Shah firmly rejected the suggestion.
Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed the song in Bengal and that Anand Math emerged from the region.
However, he asserted that the song travelled far beyond Bengal and became an anthem for freedom fighters worldwide. He added that even today, soldiers and police officers often shout Vande Mataram in their final moments of sacrifice.
Shah Reasserts Song’s Universality
Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the song’s power during India’s struggle for Independence. He said Vande Mataram emerged as a unifying force that ignited patriotism across India.
The Home Minister reminded the House that neither British authorities nor Indians who adopted colonial attitudes could suppress its spirit. He described how the chant awakened a nation that had forgotten its inherent strength.
The Home Minister traced the song’s origins to a period when India faced repeated assaults on its culture and identity. He explained that Bankim Chandra composed Vande Mataram during a period when British rule sought to impose foreign values on Indian society.
HM Shah said the composition subtly captured India’s ancient civilisation, cultural nationalism, and the tradition of viewing the nation as a mother.
He added that the slogan Vande Mataram became a rallying cry for freedom and a source of courage for countless revolutionaries.
Many martyrs, he said, drew inspiration from the song and believed it would guide them even in their next births.
Home Minister Amit Shah concluded that celebrating Vande Mataram in Parliament reinforces its importance for future generations. He urged young Indians to hold the song as a pillar of nation-building and a symbol of timeless patriotism.
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