New Delhi, December 11 (H.S.): Responding to the discussion on Vande Mataram in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Leader of the House JP Nadda accused the Congress of repeatedly ignoring and undermining the national song. He said Congress had, since the beginning, compromised with India’s culture, thinking, and core civilisational values.

Delivering the concluding remarks on the debate, Nadda said the discussion itself proved how relevant and emotionally significant Vande Mataram remains for the nation. He added that the debate offered the younger generation—who never witnessed the freedom struggle—a glimpse into the sacrifices and spirit of that era.

According to him, the song had witnessed many historic moments and served as a source of inspiration and energy during the independence movement. “It is difficult to express in words the emotions Vande Mataram evokes. It fills us with zeal and deep respect for our freedom struggle,” he said.

He recalled that when the British tried to impose their national anthem “God Save the Queen” in Indian schools, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay gifted the nation Vande Mataram, which instantly resonated across India.

Nadda alleged that Vande Mataram never received the honour it deserved due to the decisions of leaders at that time. He referred to a 1937 letter written by Jawaharlal Nehru, who said that the song contained difficult words and did not align with modern nationalism. Nehru, then Congress president, made amendments under pressure from communal elements, removing the verses portraying Bharat Mata as Goddess Durga armed for the liberation of the nation.

Quoting the Congress Working Committee reports from October 26 to November 1, 1937, Nadda said the committee had concluded that the other stanzas were less known and rarely sung, and included religious imagery that might not align with the beliefs of other religious groups. Accepting objections raised by their Muslim colleagues, the committee decided that only the first two stanzas should be sung.

Concluding his address, JP Nadda said the discussion would only be meaningful when Vande Mataram is given the same respect and dignity as the National Anthem and the National Flag. He emphasised that the status of the national song is equal in importance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar