The Ban on 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' in Parliament: Colonial Mindset in Modern Governance

As the winter session of parliament approaches following a significant state election, one might expect the BJP-led Central government to address pressing issues affecting the nation. However, as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, I was astounded by a notification that clearly reveals this administration's priorities. The note on parliamentary customs and etiquette states that slogans like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' would be prohibited within the Rajya Sabha.

As a member of this august house, I find it deeply hurtful and infuriating that a British-era regulation, which our freedom fighters opposed using these very slogans, is now being implemented in Independent India's Parliament. The government's decision to uphold colonial practices over national sentiment disrespects not only our Parliament but also our freedom struggle.

While some phrases fade with time, others endure across generations. 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' belong to the latter category. They transcend mere sloganeering; they represent the voice of a nation that broke free from its shackles and marched toward independence, using words as its most powerful weapon. India's independence struggle succeeded through non-violence and unity in messaging, rooted in reverence for our motherland and commitment to her honor and liberty. These slogans embodied that determination and our collective belief.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 'Vande Mataram' served as the lifeblood of India's freedom movement. Swadeshi protesters marching with this slogan weren't merely chanting words; they were expressing devotion to their motherland. Despite being banned from meetings by the British, it continued to live on the lips of millions. Suppression only strengthened its impact. Every utterance of 'Vande Mataram' constituted an act of rebellion, affirming that national pride couldn't be extinguished through prohibitions.

'Jai Hind', popularized by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, emerged as a defiant call. While 'Vande Mataram' stirred emotions like a melody, 'Jai Hind' resonated like a command: forward, united, and triumphant. The Indian National Army rallied behind it, as did citizens across all languages and religions. 'Jai Hind' represented not one region, belief, or ideology, but the collective voice of an India confident that freedom was its destiny.

The greatest irony, which must be highlighted, is the government's hypocrisy regarding what it terms the "Macaulay mindset." The Prime Minister frequently warns against this supposed colonial hangover. Yet, his government enforces exactly the type of restriction and suppression that Thomas Macaulay would have expected. This validates my party leader Uddhav Thackeray's questioning whether Macaulay's influence has infiltrated the BJP's governance philosophy. Nothing exemplifies a colonial mindset more clearly than banning 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' within India's Parliament. Macaulay's spirit persists not in our classrooms but in this government's actions, which treat India's identity as something to be regulated and controlled.

This becomes even more absurd and hypocritical considering the government's plans to publicly celebrate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', as acknowledged by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after a recent all-party meeting, while simultaneously banning its use inside Parliament. The government's duplicity is exposed by its own contradictions.

Today, these slogans represent our living, breathing identity and values. In times when national unity faces challenges and patriotism is debated, these slogans remind us of an era when being Indian meant resistance, aspiration, and solidarity for a greater cause. I feel deeply ashamed when informed that in India's highest chamber of governance, the Rajya Sabha, these two slogans are prohibited. This fills me with outrage and strengthens my determination to continue invoking these slogans, not just from personal commitment but to express the sentiments of 140 crore Indians who strive daily for the motherland's glory. No one can deprive me of this right.

If the government believes it can regulate patriotism, it should remember: the people of India never submitted to colonial rule, and they certainly won't submit to a colonial mindset now, even when it's disguised in official and traditional attire.

(The author is a Rajya Sabha MP and Deputy Leader of the Shiv Sena-UBT)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author