PM Modi’s Vande Mataram Tribute Wins Chattopadhyay Descendants Praise

The family of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the composer of Vande Mataram, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for celebrating the 150th anniversary of India’s national song in Parliament.

Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram in November 1875. The song quickly became a rallying cry for freedom fighters during India’s struggle against British colonial rule.

Chattopadhyay’s grandson, Sajal Chattopadhyay, criticised the West Bengal government for neglecting the great writer.

“Whatever is happening now is very shameful for the people of Bengal and Hindus. At the same time, I salute the Central government. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was India’s first graduate, yet nothing honours his name except his property. I believe the nation should establish a university named after him in every state, similar to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. What PM Modi said about him in Parliament is highly respectful,” he said.

The family’s reaction followed PM Modi initiating a debate on the 150-year-old Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha.

Sajal Chattopadhyay also demanded the establishment of Bankim Bhavans across West Bengal, similar to Rabindra Bhavans.

“There are Rabindra Bhavans where cultural programmes are held, but there is no Bankim Bhavan to uphold his legacy.

In Parliament, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is played vocally first and then Vande Mataram instrumentally at the end. We want it to be sung vocally as well,” he said.

Political Row Over Congress and Vande Mataram

The debate follows a political row last month when PM Modi accused the Congress of dropping important stanzas of Vande Mataram during the 1937 party session in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The Prime Minister said Congress’s decisions dissected the national song and sowed the seeds of Partition.

The family expressed pride that the Prime Minister highlighted Chattopadhyay’s contributions in Parliament.

They believe recognising the composer’s legacy strengthens India’s cultural identity and inspires new generations to appreciate the freedom struggle.

Sajal Chattopadhyay said Vande Mataram remains a source of national pride and unity. He urged governments, educational institutions, and cultural organisations to honour Chattopadhyay’s contributions through initiatives that preserve his literary and cultural heritage.

By celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament, PM Modi has not only paid tribute to the composer but also revived public interest in India’s freedom movement and national heritage.

The Chattopadhyay family continues to advocate for dedicated institutions, memorials, and educational programmes that reflect the enduring impact of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and his immortal song.

Also Read: Vande Mataram Is India’s Immortal Anthem, Says Rajnath Singh In Lok Sabha