PM Modi Urges Citizens To Share Ideas For ‘Vande Mataram’ 150th Year

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to contribute ideas for commemorating a landmark occasion. The 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on 7 November 1896, is set to be celebrated.

During the 127th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister reflected on the emotional and patriotic significance of the song.

“In ‘Mann Ki Baat’ now, let’s talk about a subject that is very close to everyone’s hearts. This subject is our national song, India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. A song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. ‘Vande Mataram’, this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies,” PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister described how the song embodies the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. He added that it reminds citizens of their responsibilities as children of the motherland.

“If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that the song represents patriotism and profound love for the nation.

“Patriotism, love for Ma Bharati, if this is an emotion beyond words, then ‘Vande Mataram’ is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed it to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. ‘Vande Mataram’ might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old,” he asserted.

PM Modi highlighted the song’s historical and cultural roots. He linked ‘Vande Mataram’ to the Vedas, which laid the foundations of Indian civilisation.

The Prime Minister further noted that Chattopadhyay’s words capture the eternal bond between the motherland and her children.

Clarifying the timing of his comments, the Prime Minister noted, “You might be wondering why I am suddenly referring to so much about ‘Vande Mataram’! Actually, just a few days from now, on November 7, we will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed ‘Vande Mataram’ 150 years ago, and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore first sang it in 1896.”

PM Modi recalled how generations of Indians have drawn pride and inspiration from the song.

“Crores of countrymen have always felt an immense surge of national pride in the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. Our generations have seen a vibrant and magnificent image of India in the words of ‘Vande Mataram’,” he further noted.

PM Modi emphasised the song’s enduring relevance:

“This is the very India we have to build. ‘Vande Mataram’ will always be our inspiration in these efforts. Therefore, we must also make the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’ memorable. We have to carry forward this stream of values for the coming generations.”

Inviting public participation, he added, “Many programmes and events celebrating ‘Vande Mataram’ will take place across the country in the coming days. I would like all of us countrymen to make efforts with a spontaneous spirit to glorify ‘Vande Mataram’. Please send me your suggestions with the hashtag ‘Vande Matram 150’. I will be waiting for your suggestions, and we will all work together to make this occasion historic.”

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