Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invoked the enduring power of Vande Mataram as he opened a day-long discussion in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of the national song. He said the hymn stood ‘like a rock’ against British oppression and continued to inspire unity across generations.
PM Modi traced the song’s journey from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1875 composition to its electrifying role in the freedom struggle.
He said Vande Mataram evolved into a wave of emotion that bound the nation together and strengthened countless freedom fighters who marched toward independence with the hymn on their lips.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the spirit of the song remained alive even during modern challenges.
“When crises like the coronavirus pandemic struck, the spirit of Vande Mataram continued to connect the country. Today, as we march towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat, this hymn remains a source of strength,” he said.
Hymn’s Legacy Sparks Renewed Reflection
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi said the Father of the Nation viewed Vande Mataram as a unifying force.
“Pujya Bapu said Vande Mataram connects us. It is the dream of today’s generation to build a prosperous India, and this song continues to inspire that vision,” he noted.
He emphasised that the hymn carried far more than poetic value. He described it as a mantra of sacrifice, resilience and unity that embodied the country’s civilisational strength.
PM Modi recalled how colonial rulers banned the song and punished people for speaking, printing or singing it, yet Indians continued to defy the restrictions.
He said countless freedom fighters embraced martyrdom while chanting Vande Mataram, turning the hymn into a symbol of defiance and hope.
PM Modi urged Parliament to preserve this legacy and pass it on to future generations.
“This is not just a tribute to history but a reaffirmation of our democratic spirit. The lessons of the past must continue to guide our future,” he said.
Recalling the hymn’s centenary, he said the Emergency trapped India. He said the government throttled the Constitution and pushed patriots behind bars.
PM Modi added that the 150-year milestone offers the nation a renewed chance to restore the greatness of Vande Mataram, a chance he believes must not be missed.
Also Read: PM Modi Accuses Congress Of Echoing Jinnah On Vande Mataram
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