After the detailed and heated discussion on Vande Matram in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah initiated the debate in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
“Vande Mataram played an important role in ‘awakening a powerful national consciousness’ during the freedom struggle, which could not be stopped by the British and those who followed the British lifestyle,” said Amit Shah.
Initiating the discussion on commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said, “During the period of slavery, many temples, universities, art centres, our agricultural systems, our education systems, and many libraries were destroyed or dismantled. Yet, even though these physical institutions were ruined, our culture and its spirit could not be erased from the hearts of our people. But there was a need to reawaken that spirit, to reorganise and strengthen it.”
Adding further to his debate, Shah said that Bankim Babu composed Vande Mataram during that time. He said the slogan soon spread across the country.
According to Shah, it travelled throughout India and reached even the distant Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He added that neither the British nor those who had accepted British culture could stop its spread.
Shah said Vande Mataram played a key role in awakening a strong national consciousness.
Message for Future Generations
The Home Minister said the discussion will highlight Vande Mataram’s role in the freedom struggle. He said the discussion will help future generations understand Vande Mataram’s significance.
Shah said it would help them appreciate the patriotism embodied in its composition. He further added that it would also highlight the spirit of dedication to the nation and its culture.
“May this understanding inspire their participation in building a future for great India,” Shah noted.
HM Shah said the discussion on Vande Mataram was important during the freedom struggle. He added that it will remain significant for the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Attacking the Opposition, Shah said that some members had raised questions in the Lok Sabha the previous day about the need to hold discussions on Vande Mataram. He said that the need to discuss Vande Mataram and show dedication towards it was important in the past.
Shah added that it remains important today and will always be significant for building the great India envisioned for 2047.
Invasions and Cultural Imposition Recalled
Highlighting the historical background of Vande Mataram, Shah said that for centuries the land had endured invasions and repeated attempts to disrupt and distort the country’s culture and history. He said that during British rule, which he described as a period of India’s enslavement, attempts to impose a new civilisation and culture took place in the country.
“It was in such times that Bankim Chandra Babu composed Vande Mataram. In his composition, with great subtlety, he portrayed our ancient civilisation, our cultural nationalism and the tradition of envisioning the nation as the Mother. The idea of worshipping the nation as a mother, which has long been part of our heritage, remains fully expressed in his writing,” he said.
He said raising the slogan Vande Mataram became a rallying cry. The slogan helped free Maa Bharti from the chains of slavery.
“It became the slogan of the call for Independence. It became a powerful source of inspiration in the freedom struggle. For the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice, Vande Mataram inspired them with the resolve that even in their next birth, they should be born again in India and sacrifice themselves once more for Maa Bharti. And this ancient nation, through many centuries, received inspiration from Vande Mataram to keep advancing on the path of its culture. Many people drew that inspiration from this very song,” he added.
Also Read: HM Amit Shah Slams Opposition; Defends Vande Mataram’s National Legacy
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