PM Modi commemorates 150 years of Vande Matarams enduring legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a collective discussion in the House to commemorate the historic 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram," India's national song. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honour a mantra and war cry that profoundly energised the nations freedom movement, guiding generations toward sacrifice and penance.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of witnessing this milestone, describing it as an opportunity for the House and the country to re-establish a chapter of great pride and educate future generations.

PM Modi contextualised this commemoration within a period of multiple inspiring historical anniversaries. These include the recent celebration of 75 glorious years of the Indian Constitution, the ongoing 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Lord Birsa Munda, and the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

He observed that the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram had traversed various stages, some challenging. He noted that when Vande Mataram completed 50 years, India was still under colonial rule, and strikingly, when it reached its 100th anniversary, the country faced the dark period of the Emergency, where the Constitution was "throttled," and patriots were imprisoned. He stated that the 150-year mark offers a chance to reclaim the songs original, powerful essence.