New Delhi, 8 December (H.S.): Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said Vande Mataram played an extraordinary role in weaving together the diverse strands of India’s freedom struggle into a unified national movement. He described the Lok Sabha’s discussion on the 150th anniversary of the iconic patriotic song as an “unforgettable day in India’s democratic history.”

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Shekhawat said, “Today marks a historic moment for Indian democracy — a day when the House discusses the song that inspired generations, from freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence to soldiers guarding its frontiers.”

The minister noted that a ten-hour-long debate in the Lok Sabha would focus on the enduring legacy and deep emotional connection of Vande Mataram across generations.He further observed that the song gradually evolved from a greeting of revolutionaries to a symbol of parting courage — often the last words on the lips of martyrs.

“As Vande Mataram completes 150 years, we are not only honoring its unparalleled contribution to the freedom movement but also reflecting on the post-Independence debates and divisive narratives associated with it,” Shekhawat said.

Vande Mataram was composed 150 years ago by eminent writer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and it went on to become an anthem that awakened nationalist consciousness across India during the struggle against British colonial rule.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar