NEW DELHI, Dec 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Vande Mataram as a “powerful mantra” that fuelled India’s freedom struggle, asserting that its 150th anniversary marks a proud moment in the nation’s history. He was speaking during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the sixth day of the Winter Session of Parliament.
As PM Modi entered the House, treasury benches greeted him with chants of “Vande Mataram,” setting a charged and patriotic atmosphere. The Prime Minister said the iconic song had served as a unifying force throughout the independence movement, representing sacrifice, courage and devotion to the motherland.
“It is a matter of immense pride that we are witnessing 150 years of Vande Mataram. Remembering this sacred mantra is a privilege for all of us,” Modi said. He added that the government aims to “restore the glory of Vande Mataram for future generations.”
Linking the commemoration to several national milestones, including 75 years of the Constitution and the anniversaries of Sardar Patel, Birsa Munda and Guru Teg Bahadur, Modi said these events reflect India’s long-standing tradition of unity and sacrifice.
The Prime Minister also recalled the 1975 Emergency, noting that the 100th anniversary of Vande Mataram had coincided with a period when “the Constitution was throttled and democracy suppressed.” His remarks prompted shouts of “shame” from BJP members.
Modi criticised the Opposition for remaining absent during the discussion. “We are here to collectively acknowledge the debt of Vande Mataram. This song united the nation from North to South and East to West. The time has come to unite again,” he said.
Urging lawmakers to draw inspiration from the mantra, the Prime Minister said the anniversary should renew the national resolve to achieve a developed, self-reliant India by 2047.
The BJP-led NDA has been allocated three hours for the debate, while a total of ten hours is set aside for discussions in both Houses of Parliament during the current Winter Session, which runs till December 19.
