How Did Vande Mataram Ignite India's Freedom Spirit?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address, CM Yogi Adityanath commemorated the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, describing its enduring impact on India's freedom struggle and its contemporary significance. He urged citizens to reflect on their duties to the nation, emphasizing the song's role as a source of inspiration through history.
Key Takeaways
- Vande Mataram is a symbol of India's struggle for independence.
- The song continues to inspire national pride today.
- It promotes the idea of unity above caste and religion.
- Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.
- Recognized as the national song in 1950.
Lucknow, Nov 7 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Friday that Vande Mataram was instrumental in stirring the spirit of nationalism and charting a new course for India during its struggle for freedom, and it continues to motivate the nation today.
During a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Chief Minister mentioned that on this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged citizens to celebrate this day as a 'Smiriti Diwas' of national pride.
The event commenced with a collective rendition of the national song followed by a commitment to promote Swadeshi.
CM Yogi honored Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the composer of the national anthem, with floral tributes and explored an exhibition organized for this milestone.
Participants were also able to view a live broadcast of the Ministry of Culture's program featuring PM Modi.
“Vande Mataram emerged as the timeless mantra of India's quest for independence. Despite the hardships imposed by colonial rule, the melody resonated through villages and towns, awakening the collective consciousness of India. Freedom fighters and revolutionaries adopted it as their source of inspiration,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Reflecting on the pandemic that afflicted India a century ago, the CM noted that the nation, then home to 30 crore people, lost millions.
“Complete villages were devastated. The world encountered another pandemic in independent India with Covid-19. Throughout this crisis, whether in governance or administration, everyone united with a singular purpose — to confront the challenge,” he stated.
CM Yogi emphasized that Vande Mataram, written in 1875, transcended mere song status; it functioned as a transformative force, instilling the mantra of freedom in the hearts of Indians.
“Though it was composed in a mix of Sanskrit and Bengali, it became an everlasting national sentiment that united India in devotion to the Motherland,” he added.
Discussing the Partition of Bengal in 1905, he highlighted how the song united Indians in their struggle.
“Whenever a revolutionary faced execution, the mantra of Vande Mataram would resonate from their lips. Throughout the freedom struggle, it became the voice of the nation, transcending caste, creed, and religion, and fostering the sentiment of ‘Nation First’,” asserted the CM.
He mentioned that the Constituent Assembly acknowledged Vande Mataram as the national song in 1950. He further added that the song encapsulated the plight of people fighting against hunger and famine, which eventually evolved into a movement for independence.
Quoting PM Modi, Yogi remarked: “We often discuss rights, but do we remember our responsibilities? Our duties should secure the future for current and upcoming generations. Vande Mataram binds us to the Motherland, and the progress Uttar Pradesh has achieved over the last eight years reflects this sense of duty.”
Point of View
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Vande Mataram?
Vande Mataram is a patriotic song that played a crucial role in India's freedom struggle, inspiring national pride and unity among Indians.
When was Vande Mataram composed?
Vande Mataram was composed in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Who acknowledged Vande Mataram as the national song?
The Constituent Assembly recognized Vande Mataram as the national song of India in 1950.
How did Vande Mataram impact the freedom fighters?
Vande Mataram served as a source of courage and motivation for freedom fighters, resonating across the nation during the struggle for independence.
What does the phrase 'Nation First' signify?
The phrase 'Nation First' embodies the sentiment of prioritizing national unity and pride above individual identities, which was a driving force during the freedom movement.
