New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday inaugurate a special parliamentary debate to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, “Vande Mataram,” marking a significant moment in the ongoing winter session of Parliament. The debate, which has been allocated eight hours in total, is expected to spark extensive discussions on the song’s historical, cultural, and patriotic significance.

“Vande Mataram” was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s and later set to tune by Jadunath Bhattacharya. Over the decades, it has emerged as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national pride. The year-long celebrations of its sesquicentennial aim to bring both historical and contemporary relevance to the forefront, particularly engaging youth and students across the country.

The debate will commence in the Lok Sabha with Prime Minister Modi addressing members on Monday, while the Rajya Sabha will follow with Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking on Tuesday. Parliamentary insiders noted that several prominent Members of Parliament (MPs) from different parties are expected to contribute to the discussion, offering diverse perspectives on the song’s legacy and its place in modern India.

From West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), MPs Mahua Moitra and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar will speak in the Lok Sabha, while Sukhendu S Roy and Ritabrata Banerjee will participate in the Rajya Sabha debate. A senior TMC leader emphasized that these MPs are likely to address the debate in Bengali as well, highlighting the song’s deep regional resonance.

The Congress party, serving as the main opposition, has fielded deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi in the Lok Sabha, while party president Mallikarjun Kharge is slated to lead the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. The debate is expected to witness spirited exchanges, especially considering Prime Minister Modi’s recent comments on the national song. On November 7, during the launch of the year-long anniversary celebrations, Modi criticized the Congress for allegedly removing certain stanzas of “Vande Mataram” in 1937, claiming that such actions “sowed the seeds of partition.”

The parliamentary debate is part of broader efforts to balance celebrations of India’s cultural heritage with legislative business. The Lok Sabha is also scheduled to deliberate on election reforms on Tuesday, including discussions on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, is expected to speak on this issue, while the Rajya Sabha will take up the matter on Wednesday.

Last week, a breakthrough was achieved between the government and opposition parties during all-party consultations, paving the way for a structured discussion on the Special Intensive Review of electoral rolls. The agreement ensures that debates on “Vande Mataram” and election reforms will be held sequentially, following a series of disruptions that affected the early days of the winter session.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule via social media, stating that discussions on the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” would begin in the Lok Sabha at 12 noon on Monday, December 8, followed by election reform debates at the same hour on Tuesday, December 9.

The upcoming sessions are expected to reflect on both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of “Vande Mataram.” Scholars, historians, and parliamentarians are likely to highlight the song’s role in India’s freedom struggle, its cultural symbolism, and the ways in which it continues to inspire patriotism today. Observers also expect discussions around the interpretation of the song, including controversies surrounding its various stanzas, to surface during the debate.

In addition to its commemorative purpose, the debate is seen as a platform for parties to showcase their engagement with cultural and national symbols. MPs from different states and linguistic backgrounds are expected to provide regional perspectives, reflecting the song’s pan-Indian appeal. With contributions in multiple languages and references to local historical contexts, the discussion is likely to resonate widely with both parliamentarians and the public.

The year-long celebrations launched by the Prime Minister aim to increase awareness among students and youth about the song’s historical and patriotic significance. Educational programs, cultural events, and public campaigns have been organized across India to mark the milestone anniversary, creating a national dialogue on the importance of heritage and identity.

As Parliament embarks on this historic debate, political observers note that the discussion on “Vande Mataram” could also set the tone for broader conversations about national unity, cultural preservation, and the role of symbols in contemporary political discourse. Given the participation of both ruling and opposition MPs, the debate is expected to be comprehensive, covering historical, legal, and emotional dimensions of India’s national song.

The winter session of Parliament, which has witnessed intense discussions and occasional disruptions, is thus set to enter a phase of reflective deliberation. With the Prime Minister, key ministers, and opposition leaders all contributing, Monday’s session promises to be a significant moment in the parliamentary calendar, blending celebration with serious debate on issues of national identity and democratic processes.