Explained: How PM Modi linked ‘Vande Mataram’ with Lord Ram during Lok Sabha debate

New Delhi:  Marking the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram," Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an address in the Lok Sabha on Monday. His speech highlighted the history, culture, and national identity around India's iconic national song.

In a speech that resonated with historical critique, PM Modi asserted that "Vande Mataram" is not merely a patriotic hymn but a "modern avatar" of a deeply ingrained cultural legacy, directly linking its spirit to the timeless devotion of the Hindu deity Ram.

"Vande Mataram was not just a political tool to fight for the independence of India and throw the Britishers away. It was not limited to our independence struggle; its importance was way beyond that. India's freedom struggle was a war to free our motherland from the clutches of slavery," PM Modi said in his speech. 

The Prime Minister framed "Vande Mataram" as the manifestation of an ancient Indian ethos, recalling the Vedic saying, "माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहम् पृथिव्या" (The earth is my mother, I am her son).

Elevating this sentiment further, Modi drew a poignant parallel with Lord Ram, quoting the revered dictum, "जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गत अपि गरियासि" (Mother and motherland are greater than heaven). He passionately declared that the freedom movement, energised by "Vande Mataram," was a profound struggle to liberate the motherland from the clutches of slavery, transcending mere political independence.

"During the Vedic times, it was said, This land is my mother, and I am the son of the soil. And the same idea was conveyed by Lord Ram when he gave up Lanka, 'जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गत अपि गरियासि'. Vande Mataram is a modern avatar of our great cultural legacy," He added.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual roots, Modi also used the occasion to launch a sharp historical critique of the Congress party. He alleged that in 1937, under pressure from the Muslim League, the Congress "compromised on a national symbol". 

Reiterating the impact of "Vande Mataram," PM Modi invoked Mahatma Gandhi's unequivocal praise. He reminded the House that in 1905, Gandhi himself had written that the song had "practically become our national anthem" due to its unparalleled ability to "inspire patriotism more than any other song."

Framing the 150-year commemoration as a crucial opportunity for renewed national unity, Prime Minister Modi implored all political parties to "rise above political lines" and draw collective inspiration from the powerful message embedded within "Vande Mataram." "This is not a matter of government or opposition," he said.

He urged that "the mantra that energised India’s freedom struggle must guide us again as we move towards building a developed India by 2047."