PM Modi says divisive forces behind Vande Mataram’s lost verses still challenge India today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the year-long commemoration of the National Song “Vande Mataram” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, November 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the year-long commemoration of the National Song “Vande Mataram” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, November 7. The celebration marked 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee penned the song that became a timeless symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national pride.
Before the grand event, Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his feelings. “7th November is a momentous day for every Indian. We celebrate 150 glorious years of Vande Mataram, a stirring call that has inspired generations and ignited an undying spirit of patriotism across our nation,” he wrote.
At the event, the Prime Minister unveiled a special commemorative coin and postal stamp to honour the occasion. His words reflected deep respect for Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the writer whose pen awakened the spirit of resistance long before India’s independence movement took full shape.
Modi said that Vande Mataram was not just a song. It was the heartbeat of a nation that refused to bow down. He added that its message of love for the motherland continues to inspire Indians even today. It unites hearts beyond regions, languages, and generations, he added.
He also spoke about the song’s enduring power. He recalled that in 1937, some important verses of the original song were removed, which he said divided people and even influenced the path to India’s partition. The PM warned that the same divisive thinking still exists today, and there are always voices trying to mislead or make people doubt themselves. In such times, he said, Vande Mataram reminds everyone of India’s strength and unity.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s great potential, saying that the country has 140 crore people, with a majority being young, giving India a huge advantage. He said this means nothing is impossible for the nation. Just like a mother with millions of children cannot be weak, Bharat Mata, with her people, is strong and full of energy. He urged Indians to stay inspired, confident, and united, carrying the spirit of the song into the future.
In the meantime, a wave of patriotic emotion swept across the country. Millions joined in a nationwide mass recital of Vande Mataram. Voices echoed from schools, offices, army camps, and temples.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, a scholar, novelist, and thinker of the 19th century, first wrote Vande Mataram in 1875. It later became part of his famous novel Anandamath (1882). The book was set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion.
The song with its deep love for the motherland and imagery of strength became a rallying cry for India’s freedom movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore found strength and unity in its words.
Modi in his address urged every Indian to remember the message behind the song not only as a reminder of history but as a living expression of the nation’s cultural and emotional bond. He said that the 150-year milestone should inspire the younger generation to connect with India’s roots and to honour the sacrifices made for freedom.
SOURCE: THE STATESMAN
