In a pointed remark widely seen as directed at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that key portions of India’s national song Vande Mataram were dropped in 1937 — a move he claimed sowed the “first seeds of partition” and reflected a “divisive mindset” that continues to challenge the nation even today.
The Prime Minister was speaking in New Delhi at the inauguration of a year-long nationwide commemoration marking 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s iconic composition.
“Vande Mataram became the soul and voice of India’s freedom struggle. It echoed the emotions of every patriot,” Modi said. “But in 1937, critical stanzas — the very essence of the song — were separated.
This injustice to a national mantra weakened the fabric of unity and sowed the seeds of partition. Today’s youth must understand how and why this happened.”
He asserted that even in 2025, India still faces ideologies that divide society. “This mindset remains a challenge that we must overcome,” he cautioned.
Invoking India’s Strength, Past Glory, and Future Aspirations
Linking the song’s spirit to India’s current security doctrine, the Prime Minister referenced the recent Operation Sindoor.
“When forces attempted to strike at India’s dignity through terrorism, the world witnessed that modern India can take the form of Maa Durga when required,” he said.
Modi also recalled India’s ancient prosperity, noting that a few centuries ago the nation contributed nearly one-fourth of the world’s GDP.
“But when Bankim Babu wrote Vande Mataram, India had suffered deeply from foreign invasion, plunder and colonial exploitation,” he said.
“Still, he dared to dream of a rejuvenated India — prosperous, confident and united.”
He added that the first line of Vande Mataram shattered colonial narratives portraying India as backward and incapable of self-governance.
Highlighting modern achievements, Modi said the world is witnessing India’s resurgence — from advancements in science and technology to becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Event Marks Official Start of Nationwide Observance
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the ceremony formally launched the year-long celebration from November 7, 202,5, to November 7, 2026.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among the dignitaries in attendance.
A special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram were unveiled at the event.
BJP, Congress Trade Barbs Over Legacy of Vande Mataram
Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan accused the Congress of “pandering to communal considerations” and truncating the song under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership in 1937.
He alleged that verses invoking Goddess Durga were removed to appease religious sentiments.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge countered strongly, asserting that the Congress was historically the first major platform to introduce Vande Mataram to the public.
“It was at the 1896 Congress session in Calcutta where Rabindranath Tagore first sang Vande Mataram,” Kharge said. “The party has always upheld the song with pride.”
Taking a swipe at the BJP and RSS, Kharge remarked, “Those who today claim monopoly over nationalism have never sung Vande Mataram or the National Anthem at their shakhas or offices.”
About Vande Mataram
Composed on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, the song first appeared in the literary magazine Bangadarshan as part of Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s novel Anandamath.
Celebrating India as a divine mother figure representing strength, fertility, abundance, and spiritual power, Vande Mataram quickly became the battle cry and emotional anthem of India’s freedom movement.
Over time, it emerged as a timeless symbol of national devotion, unity, and pride — a role the government now seeks to reinforce during its 150-year celebration.
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