New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Initiating the debate on Vande Mataram in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Home Minister Amit Shah urged Members of Parliament to instill the spirit of Vande Mataram among the younger generation as a symbol of national pride and unity. Shah emphasised the importance of the national song Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle and its continued relevance in the country’s future development.
“Vande Mataram helped India gain freedom, and it will help make the country ‘Viksit’ in ‘Amritkaal’,” Shah said, referring to the government’s vision for India’s progress in the coming years. He announced that the government had decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in a big way throughout the year.
Highlighting the historical significance of the song, Shah recalled, “When Vande Mataram turned 100, opposition leaders were thrown in jail, Emergency was imposed, and the country was held captive.”
This remark drew sharp reactions from Congress leaders, leading to heated exchanges in the house.
Shah sharply criticised Congress leaders for opposing Vande Mataram. He stated, “I will place a list on the house record of Congress MPs who opposed singing Vande Mataram. It should be known that some Congress members have resisted this song, which was also commemorated Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 130th birth anniversary with a government-issued stamp.” He added that during the 75th anniversary of Independence the government had launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign urging citizens to sing Vande Mataram while hoisting the national flag.
The Home Minister also took a historical perspective, saying, “Vande Mataram is not just a song but the soul of the freedom movement that inspired millions.” He referenced freedom fighters such as Shyamji Krishna Varma, Madam Bhikiaji Cama, and Veer Savarkar, who incorporated Vande Mataram into the nationalist flag.
Addressing the opposition’s criticism, Shah asserted, “We do not fear debates on important issues. Some members consider this discussion a political stunt or a distraction, but we welcome all debates in Parliament.” He also took a dig at former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for allegedly dividing the song into parts to appease certain groups, which he said led to weakening its unifying power.
Shah underscored the cultural essence of Vande Mataram, linking it to India’s rich heritage and the Vedic philosophy. He quoted from the Ramayana, highlighting the supreme importance of motherland and mother in Indian ethos, as reflected in the song.
Shah called on all MPs to recognise the song’s significance beyond regional or political affiliations. “Vande Mataram transcends Bengal or any state; it resonates at every border where our soldiers sacrifice their lives chanting this mantra,” he said.
The government’s decision to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram throughout the year marks a renewed effort to reinforce nationalistic values and awareness among the youth, Amit Shah reiterated.
