Prime minister Narendra Modi addressed the lok sabha on monday during a special discussion commemorating the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.

Modi described the song as a “mantra” and a powerful slogan that energised India’s freedom struggle and inspired citizens to fight for independence.

🟢 Accusation Against congress and Nehru

Modi criticised the congress party for allegedly compromising on national pride, claiming it bowed down to the Muslim League’s objections to Vande Mataram.

He stated that jawaharlal nehru agreed with Muhammad ali Jinnah’s sentiment against the song, instead of standing up for it.

Modi questioned why the national songwas sidelined despite its historic contribution to the freedom movement.

🟢 Gandhi’s Views and the “Injustice” to the Song

Modi cited mahatma Gandhi’s 1905 opinion, stating that Vande Mataram had become so popular that it had essentially emerged as a national anthem during the independence movement.

Raised the question:

“If Vande Mataram was so popular, why was injustice done to it, and why was it betrayed in the last century?”

🟢 Historical and Cultural Significance

Vande Mataram was written during a period when british rulers were attempting to propagate their anthem “God Save the Queen” across India.

The song became a symbol of unity, sacrifice, collective consciousness, and patriotism during the freedom struggle.

🟢 Timeline of Major Anniversaries Highlighted

Modi linked the commemoration with other major national milestones:

75 years of the Constitution

150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai patel and Birsa Munda

350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur

He stated that earlier anniversaries were overshadowed by challenging phases:

50th anniversary → british rule

100th anniversary → Emergency; patriots imprisoned

🟢 Conclusion – Reclaiming Pride

Modi said the 150-year celebration is a moment to restore pride in India’s legacy.

He emphasised that remembering Vande Mataram is a way to reconnect with the nation’s freedom struggle and honour the sacrifices that led to independence.

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