 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the special discussion on 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha today. The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the esteemed Members of the House for choosing the path of collective discussion on this significant occasion. He remarked that Vande Mataram, the mantra and the clarion call which energized and inspired the freedom movement of the nation, showing the path of sacrifice and penance, is being remembered and it is a great privilege for all in the House. Shri Modi highlighted that it is a matter of pride that the nation is witnessing the historic occasion of 150 years of Vande Mataram. He stated that this period brings before us countless events of history. The Prime Minister emphasized that this discussion will not only reflect the commitment of the House but can also serve as a source of education for future generations, if all collectively make good use of it.
Modi remarked that this is a period when many inspiring chapters of history are once again being revealed before us. He highlighted that the nation has recently celebrated 75 years of the Constitution with pride. He noted that the country is also commemorating the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, He added that recently the nation observed the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The Prime Minister stated that today, on the occasion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, the House is making an effort to experience its collective energy. He emphasized that the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram has passed through many milestones. Recalling that when Vande Mataram completed 50 years, the nation was compelled to live under colonial rule, Shri Modi said that when it reached 100 years, the country was shackled by the chains of Emergency. He pointed out that at the time of the centenary celebrations of Vande Mataram, the Constitution of India was throttled. He further remarked that when Vande Mataram marked 100 years, those who lived and died for patriotism were imprisoned behind bars. The Prime Minister underscored that the song which had given energy to the nation's freedom, when it completed 100 years, unfortunately coincided with a dark chapter in our history, when democracy itself was under severe strain.
"The 150 years of Vande Mataram present an opportunity to re-establish that great chapter and glory, and neither the House nor the nation should let this occasion pass", stressed Shri Modi. He highlighted that it was Vande Mataram which led the country to independence in 1947, and the emotional leadership of the freedom struggle was embodied in its clarion call.
Prime Minister stated that as he stood to initiate the discussion on Vande Mataram at 150 years, there was no division of ruling or opposition, as for all present it was truly an occasion to acknowledge the debt owed to Vande Mataram, which inspired goal-oriented leaders to carry forward the freedom movement, resulting in the independence that allows all to sit in the House today. He emphasized that for all Members of Parliament and representatives, this is a sacred occasion to accept that debt. Shri Modi underscored that from this inspiration, the spirit of Vande Mataram which fought the battle for freedom, uniting the entire nation-North, South, East, and West-in one voice, must once again guide us. He called upon all to move forward together, to fulfill the dreams envisioned by the freedom fighters, making Vande Mataram at 150 the source of inspiration and energy for all. He stressed that this is an opportunity to reaffirm the resolve of building a self-reliant nation and achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Shri Modi stated that the journey of Vande Mataram began with Bankim Chandra Ji in 1875. He highlighted that the song was composed at a time when, after the 1857 freedom struggle, the British Empire was unsettled and imposed various pressures and injustices upon India, forcing its people into submission. The Prime Minister remarked that during that period, the national anthem of the British, 'God Save The Queen', was being conspired to spread into every household in India. He emphasized that it was then that Bankim Da issued a challenge, responding with greater force, and from that defiance Vande Mataram was born. He noted that a few years later, in 1882, when Bankim Chandra wrote 'Anand Math', the song was incorporated into the work.
Emphasising that Vande Mataram revived the thought that had been deeply ingrained in the veins of India for thousands of years, the PM highlighted that the same sentiment, the same values, the same culture, and the same tradition were gifted to the nation in the finest words and noble spirit through Vande Mataram. He emphasized that Vande Mataram was not merely a mantra for political freedom or simply about driving away the British and charting our own path; it went far beyond that. The Prime Minister stated that the freedom struggle was also a sacred battle to liberate the motherland, to free Mother India from shackles. He noted that when we look at the background of Vande Mataram and its stream of values, we see a recurring truth from the Vedic era. He underscored that when we say Vande Mataram, it reminds us of the Vedic declaration meaning that this land is my mother and I am her son. |
