Vande Mataram At 150: The History, The Disputes, And Parliament’s Big Debate

Vande Mataram: Its Birth and Rise as a Freedom Movement Symbol

As Vande Mataram completes 150 years in 2025, the iconic song at the heart of India’s freedom struggle has once again ignited conversation across the nation—this time inside Parliament. A symbol of patriotism for millions, the composition has simultaneously been a subject of controversy for decades. The milestone anniversary has brought its historical roots, ideological debates, and contemporary relevance sharply back into focus.

A Song Born in the Freedom Struggle

Vande Mataram was written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later included in his celebrated novel Anandamath. Originally penned in Sanskrit and Bengali, the song praised the motherland as a divine entity—depicting India as a nurturing goddess draped in natural beauty.
By the early 20th century, Vande Mataram became the rallying cry for India’s freedom fighters. It was sung at the 1896 Congress session on Rabindranath Tagore’s request and soon evolved into a powerful slogan against colonial rule.
For revolutionaries and common citizens alike, chanting “Vande Mataram” stirred courage, unity, and resistance. Its words symbolized a collective revolt and a spiritual connection to the nation, turning it into an emblem of India’s awakening.

Political and Religious Disputes Over the Years

Despite its iconic status, Vande Mataram has also faced criticism—primarily from some Muslim groups—due to certain verses that depict the nation in the form of a goddess, which they believe contradicts monotheistic principles.
In 1937, after heated discussions, the Indian National Congress decided that only the first two verses—free of religious imagery—would be used for public events. This compromise was designed to maintain unity during the independence movement.
Post-independence, the Constituent Assembly declared Vande Mataram the national song, while Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the national anthem. The distinction, though symbolic, reflected the political need to balance cultural pride with pluralistic sensitivities.

Parliament’s Ongoing Debate at 150

The 150th anniversary has revived parliamentary debate on whether Vande Mataram should be given equal constitutional status as the national anthem or made compulsory in educational and government institutions.
Supporters argue that the song represents India’s cultural heritage, freedom struggle, and collective identity—making it deserving of the highest national honour. Some MPs have called for mandatory recitation in schools and public offices as a way to instill patriotism.
Opponents, however, caution against enforcing cultural expression, warning that compulsion could alienate minorities and undermine India’s secular fabric. They emphasize that patriotism cannot be mandated and must remain voluntary and inclusive.
The debate has transformed into a larger conversation about nationalism, identity, and the balance between tradition and constitutional values.

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A Legacy That Continues to Shape India

As India reflects on Vande Mataram at 150, the song remains both a cultural treasure and a complex symbol. Its emotional resonance continues to inspire millions, while the longstanding disputes force the nation to examine its diversity and democratic principles.
Whether Parliament ultimately accords it new status or maintains the existing framework, one thing is certain: Vande Mataram will remain an integral part of India’s history, its struggle for freedom, and its ongoing journey as a diverse and evolving republic.

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