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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday, described Vande Mataram, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, as a “powerful mantra” that energized and inspired India’s freedom struggle.
PM Modi Links Vande Mataram to Nation-Building and Democratic Spirit
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday, described Vande Mataram, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, as a “powerful mantra” that energized and inspired India's freedom struggle. He called it a symbol of pride and unity for the nation and said the government aims to restore the glory of Vande Mataram for future generations.
Upon the Prime Minister's entry into the Lok Sabha, members of the ruling party greeted him with chants of “Vande Mataram,” creating a patriotic atmosphere in Parliament.
‘Nehru thought it would irritate Muslims’: PM Modi during Vande Mataram debate
PM Modi described Vande Mataram as a guiding force of the freedom movement. He said, “It is a symbol of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, resolve, and dedication. It is a matter of pride for all of us to remember it on its 150th anniversary.”
The Prime Minister linked the occasion to several historical milestones, including the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He said all these reflect India's traditions of unity, sacrifice, and nation-building.
PM Modi referred to the 1975 Emergency, saying that the 100th anniversary of Vande Mataram came during a “dark period for India's democracy.” He said that during that time, the Constitution was suppressed, patriots were jailed, and the spirit of democracy was stifled. Members of the ruling party chanted “Shame” in response.
He said, “When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, India was under Emergency. Patriots were in jail, and democracy was under threat. Now, on its 150th anniversary, we should once again feel proud of this symbol.”
The Prime Minister also took a dig at the opposition, saying that collective participation was essential on this occasion. He said, “We have come here to collectively acknowledge our debt to Vande Mataram. This song united the country from north to south and east to west. Now is the time for us to unite again.”
He appealed to the Members of Parliament to draw inspiration from this mantra, fulfill the dreams of the freedom fighters, and resolve to make India a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.
PM Modi to lead Lok Sabha debate on 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ today
PM Modi said that the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram is not merely about remembering history, but it is a message to revive the spirit of Indian democracy and let the lessons of the past guide the future.
The BJP parliamentary party has been allotted three hours for discussion in Parliament, while a total of 10 hours have been reserved in both Houses. The 6th session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th session of the Rajya Sabha will begin on December 1 and continue until December 19.
