Did Congress's appeasement harm Vande Mataram and lead to Partition?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vande Mataram celebrated its 150th anniversary.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Congress for its politics of appeasement.
- The song symbolizes India's unity and freedom.
- It has historical significance dating back to 1906.
- Future generations must honor its legacy.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a significant address in the Lok Sabha to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, referring to it as India's eternal anthem and a guiding mantra for countless generations.
During the Winter Session of Parliament, Singh criticized the Congress party for engaging in a politics of appeasement that he claimed undermined the essence of the song and played a role in the Partition of the nation.
“Vande Mataram stands complete on its own. Yet, there were attempts to render it incomplete. Regardless, it has endured as our nation's immortal song, and it will continue to do so,” he asserted.
Singh stressed the necessity for future generations to grasp the mindset of those who sought to diminish the song, describing this as an affront to India’s cultural and national identity.
He recalled that in 1906, India’s first flag featured Vande Mataram at its center, and that same year, a newspaper named Vande Mataram was launched in Bengal to foster public awareness.
“At that point, Vande Mataram was not merely a term; it represented a feeling, a source of inspiration, and a poem,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister highlighted that the song transcended Bengal and resonated nationwide, from east to west, and even beyond India, where it was chanted as a symbol of unity and resistance.
He emphasized that Vande Mataram became the heartbeat of the nation, symbolizing sacrifice, bravery, and the collective spirit of freedom.
Singh further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country would honor the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram with the dignity and recognition it deserves.
He reiterated that the song continues to inspire India’s commitment to self-reliance and progress, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
In closing, Singh reaffirmed that Vande Mataram remains a timeless symbol of dedication and unity, urging both the House and the nation to respect its legacy and ensure that its spirit guides India’s journey towards a more robust, self-reliant future.