Bankim Chandra's Family Praises PM Modi's Recognition of 'Vande Mataram' Legacy on 150th Anniversary

The family members of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay responded after Prime Minister Modi sparked a parliamentary discussion on 'Vande Mataram'.

In Kolkata, the descendants of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who authored and composed 'Vande Mataram', expressed their appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's National Song.

Composed by Chattopadhyay in November 1875, 'Vande Mataram' swiftly evolved into an inspirational anthem for freedom fighters during their campaign to free India from British colonial domination.

In his interview with IANS, Sajal Chattopadhyay, grandson of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, claimed that the West Bengal government had disregarded the eminent writer who created 'Vande Mataram'.

"The current situation is truly disgraceful for Bengal's residents and Hindus. Simultaneously, I commend the Central government. Despite being the country's first graduate, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay has received little recognition beyond his personal property. I believe the nation should establish a university named after him in every state, comparable to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Modi's remarks about him in Parliament were extremely honorable," he further stated.

These comments from the writer's family emerged following PM Modi's initiation of a discussion regarding the 150-year-old composition 'Vande Mataram' in Parliament.

Speaking to IANS, Sajal Chattopadhyay advocated for the establishment of Bankim Bhavans throughout West Bengal, similar to the existing Rabindra Bhavans.

"Cultural programs are hosted at Rabindra Bhavans. However, no Bankim Bhavan exists to preserve his heritage. In Parliament, 'Jana Gana Mana' is performed vocally first, followed by an instrumental rendition of Vande Mataram. We desire that it be sung vocally as well," he explained.

A political controversy erupted last month when Prime Minister Modi alleged that Congress had eliminated crucial stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' during the party's 1937 session in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The Prime Minister asserted that the decisions made by the grand old party planted the seeds for Partition and fragmented the national song.