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The spirit of Vande Mataram had illuminated the entire nation during the freedom struggle: PM Modi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7th November inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that Vande Mataram is not merely a word—it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve. He highlighted that Vande Mataram embodies the devotion and spiritual dedication to Maa Bharati. The Prime Minister stated that this one word connects us to our history, fills our present with confidence, and inspires our future with the courage to believe that no resolve is beyond fulfillment, and no goal is beyond our reach. Describing the collective singing of Vande Mataram as a truly sublime experience, beyond the bounds of expression, Shri Modi noted that amidst so many voices, there emerged a singular rhythm, a unified tone, a shared thrill, and a seamless flow. He spoke of the resonance and waves of harmony that stirred the heart with energy. The Prime Minister stated that 7th November is a historic day as the nation celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram. He affirmed that this sacred occasion will offer new inspiration and infuse fresh energy to our citizens. To mark this day in the pages of history, a special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram were released. Paying tributes to all the bravehearts and luminaries of India who dedicated their lives for Maa Bharati, Shri Modi extended congratulations to all present and conveyed his best wishes to every citizen on the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram
Noting that every song and every poem carries a core emotion and a central message, the Prime Minister posed the question—what is the essence of Vande Mataram? He affirmed that its essence is Bharat—Maa Bharati—the eternal idea of India. He elaborated that this idea began shaping itself from the dawn of human civilization, reading each era as a chapter, witnessing the rise of different nations, the emergence of various powers, the evolution of new civilizations, their journey from nothingness to greatness, and their eventual dissolution back into the void. He added that India observed the making and unmaking of history, the shifting geography of the world. From this infinite human journey, India learned, drew new conclusions, and based on them, shaped the values and ideals of its civilization, forging a distinct cultural identity. Shri Modi emphasized that India understood the balance between strength and morality, and thus emerged as a refined nation—like pure gold—immortal despite the wounds of the past.
Highlighting that the conception of India and the philosophical force behind it stand apart from the rise and fall of global powers, rooted in a distinct sense of independent existence, Shri Modi remarked that when this consciousness was expressed in written and rhythmic form, it gave rise to a creation like Vande Mataram. “That is why, during the colonial era, Vande Mataram became the proclamation of the resolve that India would be free, the chains of bondage would be broken by the hands of Maa Bharati, and her children would become the architects of their own destiny”, stated Shri Modi.
Shri Modi remarked that this day offers an opportunity to understand the extraordinary journey and impact of Vande Mataram. When Bankim Babu published Vande Mataram in Bangadarshan in 1875, some believed it was just a song. But soon, Vande Mataram became the voice of India’s freedom struggle—a chant on the lips of every revolutionary, an expression of every Indian’s emotions. He noted that there is hardly any chapter of the freedom movement where Vande Mataram was not present in some form. In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Calcutta Session. In 1905, when Bengal was partitioned—a dangerous experiment by the British to divide the nation—Vande Mataram stood like a rock against those designs. The Prime Minister recalled that during the protests against the partition of Bengal, the streets echoed with one unified voice—Vande Mataram.
Underlining that while India’s national flag has evolved over time, from its earliest forms to the present-day tricolour, Shri Modi said, one thing has remained unchanged—whenever the flag is hoisted, the words that instinctively rise from every Indian’s heart are Bharat Mata ki Jai! and Vande Mataram!. He emphasized that as the nation celebrates 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, it is also a tribute to the great heroes of the country. It is a tribute to the countless martyrs who embraced the gallows while invoking Vande Mataram, who endured the lash of whips while chanting Vande Mataram, who remained resolute on blocks of ice while reciting the mantra of Vande Mataram.
The Prime Minister declared that today, all 140 crore Indians pay homage to every known, unknown, and unsung individual who sacrificed their lives for the nation while uttering Vande Mataram, whose names were never recorded in the pages of history.
Stating that Vande Mataram, while being the anthem of freedom’s martyrs, also inspires us to protect that very freedom, Shri Modi quoted lines from Bankim Babu’s original composition highlighting that Maa Bharati is the embodiment of Saraswati, the giver of knowledge; Lakshmi, the giver of prosperity; and Durga, the wielder of weapons and strength. The Prime Minister emphasized that the vision was to build a nation that stands at the forefront of knowledge, science, and technology; a nation enriched by the power of learning and innovation; and a nation that is self-reliant in matters of national security.
Addressing another critical aspect related to Vande Mataram, emphasizing its importance, Shri Modi noted that the spirit of Vande Mataram had illuminated the entire nation during the freedom struggle. However, he expressed regret that in 1937, significant verses of Vande Mataram—its very soul—were separated. The song was fragmented. He asserted that this division sowed the seeds of the country’s partition. The Prime Minister questioned why such injustice was done to this great national mantra and stressed that today’s generation must understand this history. He warned that the same divisive mindset continues to pose a challenge to the nation even today.
Union Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt Rekha Gupta were present among other dignitaries at the event.