In a move to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ Parliament has scheduled a special discussion in both Houses beginning next week. The deliberations are set to start in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 8, and will continue in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, reflecting the significance attached to the legacy of the national song.

According to parliamentary sources, the Lok Sabha session on Monday will formally commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiating the debate at 12 PM. The discussion is expected to span ten hours in total, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allotted three hours for its participation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to conclude the discussion, marking the end of the day’s proceedings.

In the Upper House, the Rajya Sabha, the debate will follow on Tuesday, with Home Minister Amit Shah expected to open the session. The discussions in both Houses are part of a broader initiative by Parliament to focus on national heritage and commemorate the historic significance of ‘Vande Mataram’ on its 150th anniversary. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule following an all-party meeting chaired by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. “During the All Party Meeting Chaired by Hon’ble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 12 Noon on Monday 8th Dec and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th Dec,” Rijiju said in a statement posted on X.

The discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ is likely to see participation from a range of parliamentarians across party lines, reflecting on the song’s historical, cultural, and patriotic significance. Observers note that debates of this nature provide an opportunity to revisit the national ethos and reinforce the values embedded in the country’s freedom struggle.

The announcement of the discussion comes amid a busy Winter Session of Parliament, which has already witnessed the passage of several key legislations. On Friday, the Lok Sabha passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, designed to raise additional funds from goods considered harmful, such as pan masala, for health and national security purposes. Earlier in the week, Parliament had also passed a bill aimed at increasing excise duty on tobacco products and their manufacture, reinforcing the government’s focus on public health measures.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified during discussions that the levy would be treated as an excise duty and not a cess, and that the revenue collected would be added to the divisible pool, to be redistributed among states according to the established 41 per cent formula. She further stated that this measure effectively reinstates the excise duty structure that existed prior to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

Minister Sitharaman had introduced both the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, on the first day of the Winter Session, setting the tone for a session focused on both fiscal measures and national heritage.

The upcoming discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Parliament underscores the government’s effort to blend legislative business with cultural and historical reflection. By dedicating extensive time to the national song, the Houses aim to honour the song’s legacy and the role it played in inspiring the country’s freedom movement.

Members are expected to deliberate not only on the historical importance of ‘Vande Mataram’ but also on its continued relevance in contemporary India. The session may also address issues related to the song’s role in fostering unity, patriotism, and national identity. Lawmakers from different political backgrounds are likely to share perspectives on how the song embodies India’s struggle for independence and its enduring values.

The Lok Sabha’s schedule provides a structured framework, with a total of ten hours earmarked for the discussion. The BJP’s allocated three hours will allow the ruling party to outline its perspective, while the remaining hours will accommodate contributions from opposition parties, independent members, and other stakeholders. The arrangement ensures that the debate is comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of diverse viewpoints.

In the Rajya Sabha, the discussion on Tuesday is expected to mirror the approach in the Lower House, with a focus on the cultural, historical, and patriotic dimensions of ‘Vande Mataram.’ Home Minister Amit Shah’s opening remarks are likely to set the tone for the Upper House debate, emphasizing the national significance of the song and its enduring appeal across generations.

The special focus on ‘Vande Mataram’ aligns with the government’s broader initiative to commemorate India’s historical and cultural milestones. By integrating such discussions into the parliamentary calendar, lawmakers aim to create a platform for thoughtful dialogue on national identity, history, and civic values.

This initiative is part of a wider effort during the Winter Session to balance legislative priorities with symbolic recognition of India’s heritage. While Parliament addresses pressing legislative and policy issues, including fiscal measures and public health initiatives, sessions like the ‘Vande Mataram’ discussion provide an opportunity to celebrate national symbols and reinforce collective cultural consciousness.

Observers note that dedicating parliamentary time to the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ sends a strong message about the importance of national symbols and their role in promoting unity and shared values. Such discussions also encourage reflection on the country’s journey since independence and the significance of nationalistic expressions in shaping modern India.

In conclusion, the scheduled discussions on ‘Vande Mataram’ in both Houses of Parliament mark a significant moment in the Winter Session, combining legislative business with cultural commemoration. Starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural remarks in the Lok Sabha and concluding with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and subsequently followed by the Rajya Sabha debate led by Home Minister Amit Shah, the sessions are expected to be extensive, inclusive, and reflective. By highlighting the 150th anniversary of the national song, Parliament aims to pay tribute to India’s historical legacy while reinforcing the values of patriotism, unity, and national pride in contemporary discourse.