PM Modi Highlights Vande Mataram's Role in India's Freedom Struggle During 150th Anniversary Commemoration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech in Lok Sabha, initiating the discussion commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, when a minor linguistic correction occurred.

During his address, PM Modi referred to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the renowned composer of Vande Mataram, as "Bankim Da." This prompted Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy to object, suggesting that "Bankim Babu" would be more respectful than "Da" (a shortened form of "Dada," commonly used in Bengali to address brothers and acquaintances).

The Prime Minister graciously accepted the correction, stating, "I will say Bankim Babu. Thank you, I respect your sentiments." He then added humorously, "I can call you dada, right? Or you have an objection to that, too?"

Continuing his address, PM Modi emphasized Vande Mataram's significant role during India's independence struggle. He described it not merely as a mantra for political freedom, but as a "sacred war cry to rid Bharatmata of vestiges of colonialism."

PM Modi highlighted the song's powerful impact, saying, "Such was the power of Vande Mataram that the British were forced to impose a legal ban on it. There was punishment for singing it and for printing it. Such harsh laws were created to suppress it."

The Vande Mataram discussion has been organized to showcase the song's historical significance and legacy in India's freedom movement, with ten hours allocated for debate. The discussion will also take place in the Rajya Sabha. While Prime Minister Modi opened the debate, Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also participate in the discussion.