New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a special debate in the Lok Sabha marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, recalling its historic role in India’s freedom struggle and the contrasting conditions during its earlier milestones. Modi noted that when Vande Mataram completed 50 years, India was still under colonial rule, and when it turned 100, the nation was under Emergency.
“During the freedom struggle, the mantra of Vande Mataram gave immense strength and inspiration to the entire nation,” the Prime Minister said. “That chant energized India’s fight for independence, filled people with courage and determination, and showed the path forward. It is a matter of great pride that we are present to witness the 150th anniversary of this historic national song.”
Recollecting the dark chapter of the Emergency, Modi said: “When Vande Mataram completed its 100 years, the country was bound by the chains of Emergency. The Constitution was strangled, and patriots were thrown into prisons. It was one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. Today, we have the opportunity to restore the true glory of Vande Mataram. We must not let this moment slip away.”
The Parliament will hold a 10-hour long discussion on Vande Mataram, with three hours allocated in the Lok Sabha and seven in the Rajya Sabha. The debate will cover its historical significance, its role in the freedom movement, and lesser-known facts about the iconic composition. Home Minister Amit Shah, several Union Ministers, and Opposition leaders will participate in the discussion. Rajnath Singh will lead the debate in the Lok Sabha, while Amit Shah and JP Nadda will lead it in the Rajya Sabha. Opposition speakers include Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi.
Ahead of the debate, Minister Giriraj Singh strongly defended the importance of discussing Vande Mataram in Parliament. “If we don’t discuss Vande Mataram in the temple of democracy, then where will we discuss it? Some people refuse to accept Vande Mataram and instead embrace the Babri Masjid. Vande Mataram is India’s heritage, and it must be celebrated,” PM said.
Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam also expressed enthusiasm, saying: “Years later, I am proud that we are celebrating Vande Mataram, written by Rabindranath Tagore. As the Prime Minister said, it instills pride and patriotism among people.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP JB Mather emphasized that Vande Mataram is deeply rooted in the freedom struggle and that the Congress has every reason to speak of it with pride. “If anyone can claim credit for India’s freedom, it is the Congress — because of the collective efforts and determination of its leaders. Vande Mataram is closely linked with our independence movement, and we are proud to discuss it,”PM said.
The rare, large-scale discussion sets the stage for a renewed national conversation on one of India’s most iconic patriotic compositions and its lasting legacy.
