Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to share their suggestions for celebrating the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song, which was composed on November 7, 1896, by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Speaking during the 127th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “In ‘Mann Ki Baat’ now, let’s talk about a subject that is very close to everyone’s hearts. This subject is our national song — India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. A song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. ‘Vande Mataram’ — this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies.”
“In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati. If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents patriotism and deep love for the motherland.
“Patriotism… love for Ma Bharati… if this is an emotion beyond words, then ‘Vande Mataram’ is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. ‘Vande Mataram’ might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old,” he said.