On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s national song, reflecting on its historical significance, its role in the freedom struggle, and the challenges faced by the nation at key milestones in the song’s history. In his address, Modi lamented that when Vande Mataram had completed a century, India was under the grip of the Emergency, a period he described as a “dark chapter” in Indian history when constitutional rights were suspended and patriots were imprisoned. The Prime Minister used the occasion not only to celebrate the legacy of the song but also to highlight the resilience of India’s democracy and the enduring importance of Vande Mataram as a symbol of national unity and patriotism.

Modi began his speech by reflecting on the historical backdrop against which Vande Mataram was composed. He noted that when the song completed 50 years, India was still under colonial rule. At that time, the country was striving to assert its identity, with the British imperial administration maintaining strict control over political, social, and cultural life. “When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, the country was under colonial rule,” Modi said. He highlighted the way the song had energised and inspired the freedom movement, serving as a rallying point for millions of Indians who were seeking liberation from colonial domination. According to the Prime Minister, the song was not merely a set of lyrics but a powerful mantra that showed the path of courage and determination, reinforcing the sense of purpose and resolve among Indians who were engaged in the struggle for independence.

The Prime Minister then turned to the centenary of Vande Mataram, noting that when the song had reached 100 years, India faced an entirely different crisis—one of democratic suppression. “When it completed 100 years, the nation was under the Emergency,” Modi said, drawing attention to the period between 1975 and 1977 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of emergency across the country. During this time, constitutional rights were curtailed, political opponents were jailed, and democratic institutions were undermined. Modi described this as a period when the Constitution itself was “throttled” and citizens, including those who had dedicated their lives to the nation, were forced behind bars simply for exercising their democratic rights. He emphasised the contrast between the 50th anniversary, under colonial rule, and the 100th anniversary, under a domestic authoritarian imposition, to underline how Vande Mataram had continued to remain relevant in India’s struggles—both against external domination and internal challenges to democracy.

Modi spoke of Vande Mataram as a song that provided not only inspiration but also a framework for national unity. He recalled how the song had energised millions during the freedom movement and had become a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination. “The mantra energised and inspired India’s freedom movement and showed the path of courage and determination,” he said. In his address, he noted that remembering the song today in Parliament was a “great privilege” for all members, highlighting its significance as a shared cultural and historical heritage that transcends political divides. By invoking the song’s symbolic power, Modi reinforced the notion that Vande Mataram continues to carry moral and emotional weight in contemporary India, even as the nation has transitioned into a democratic republic.

The Prime Minister then elaborated on the present significance of the 150th anniversary. “It is a matter of pride for us that we are witnessing the historic occasion of Vande Mataram completing 150 years,” he said. Modi framed the anniversary not just as a celebration of a song but as an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of history, the struggles faced by previous generations, and the responsibilities of present and future citizens. He suggested that commemorating the song in the Lok Sabha, the very heart of India’s parliamentary democracy, was symbolic of the nation’s commitment to freedom, unity, and constitutional governance.

While discussing the Emergency, Modi highlighted the manner in which the democratic ethos of the nation had been undermined during that period. He described how the Constitution had been “throttled” and how individuals who had contributed to the nation’s progress or had stood for democratic values were incarcerated. He emphasised the broader lesson from that era, asserting that the challenges of the Emergency should serve as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the need to preserve civil liberties. According to Modi, observing the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram provides an opportunity to reassert these democratic principles and ensure that the values for which freedom fighters struggled remain central to the Indian polity.

Throughout his speech, Modi repeatedly linked the historical significance of Vande Mataram with its contemporary relevance. He stressed that the song has always been more than a ceremonial anthem; it has been a moral and cultural compass for India. By recounting its historical trajectory—from its composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Bengal to its adoption as a symbol of resistance during colonial rule—he positioned the song as a unifying force that has guided India through various trials. Modi argued that the struggles the nation faced at the 50th and 100th anniversaries serve as reminders that India’s sovereignty, integrity, and democratic institutions require continual vigilance and care.

Modi’s remarks also highlighted the role of Vande Mataram in instilling a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility. By commemorating the song in Parliament, he underscored the idea that national symbols like Vande Mataram are not mere relics of history but living instruments that can inspire citizens to uphold the values of courage, unity, and commitment to the nation. In this sense, Modi’s address served as both a historical reflection and a call to action, urging lawmakers and citizens alike to recognise and reaffirm the significance of the song in contemporary India.

The Prime Minister concluded by stressing the unique opportunity presented by the 150th anniversary. “When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency. At that time, the Constitution was throttled, and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind prison bars. The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of Vande Mataram. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass,” he said. Modi framed the current moment as one in which India can reclaim and celebrate the enduring values embodied in the national song, thereby honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and democracy.

In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Lok Sabha on Monday combined a historical overview of Vande Mataram, a reflection on India’s colonial and post-independence challenges, and an emphasis on the enduring relevance of national symbols. By contrasting the 50th and 100th anniversaries, he highlighted the song’s role in inspiring resistance—first against foreign domination and later against domestic political crises. His remarks underscored the message that Vande Mataram remains a living symbol of courage, determination, and national unity, and that celebrating its 150th anniversary provides an opportunity to strengthen India’s democratic and cultural foundations. The Prime Minister’s address was both a commemoration and a call to ensure that the values represented by Vande Mataramcontinue to guide the nation in the present and the future.