On Monday, the Lok Sabha witnessed an unusual yet memorable parliamentary moment during the discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s national song. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering an impassioned speech highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the song, referred to its author, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, as “Bankim da.” This prompted an immediate intervention from Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, who pointed out that in Bengali, “da” is a casual, elder-brother term, while “Babu” is a formal and respectful designation.

The exchange was brief but highlighted the nuances of linguistic respect and cultural protocol, particularly in a formal parliamentary setting. Taking Roy’s correction in stride, Prime Minister Modi paused, smiled, and responded with a blend of humility and humor. “Alright, you want me to say Bankim Babu, Bankim Babu – fine, thank you, thank you, thank you. I respect your sentiments. Bankim Babu… Bankim Babu – thank you, dada, thank you,” he said, before adding wittily, “I can call you ‘dada’, right? Otherwise, you’ll object to that as well.” This light-hearted response drew attention from members across the House while allowing the Prime Minister to continue his speech without losing momentum.

The Prime Minister’s address was anchored around the immense historical and emotional influence of Vande Mataram on India’s freedom struggle. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, one of 19th-century Bengal’s most influential literary figures, Vande Mataram emerged as a powerful song that mobilized the Indian populace against colonial oppression. Modi emphasized that the song’s emotional force had a tangible impact on colonial authorities, inspiring unity and resistance among Indians during a period marked by political upheaval and social unrest.

Modi recounted how Vande Mataram had become a focal point for nationalist energy following the uprising of 1857. “Vande Mataram was written at a time when, after the 1857 revolt, the British government was alarmed and unleashing various forms of oppression,” he said. The song, he explained, played a crucial role in energizing people across regions and communities, providing a unifying symbol of courage and determination. Even as the colonial government attempted to suppress its propagation and impose the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, Bankim Chandra’s composition remained a powerful counterforce, shaping the nationalist imagination and nurturing the spirit of independence.

In his speech, Modi also drew attention to the resilience and symbolic power of Vande Mataram in moments of national crisis, long after the end of British rule. He referenced the 1905 partition of Bengal, noting that the British administration, in its attempt to divide and control India, believed that breaking Bengal would weaken the broader national movement. Modi observed that despite these deliberate attempts at division, Vande Mataram “stood like a rock” and continued to inspire unity.

The Prime Minister went further to connect the song’s historical significance with later challenges faced by the nation. He highlighted the Emergency period in India, noting that when Vande Mataram completed its first century, the country faced one of its most trying democratic crises. “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 bars,” Modi recalled. By drawing these parallels, the Prime Minister underscored the enduring relevance of Vande Mataram as a symbol not only of anti-colonial resistance but also of the broader ideals of unity, resilience, and democratic spirit.

Throughout the speech, Modi portrayed Vande Mataram as more than a song; it was a cultural and spiritual manifesto that captured the essence of India’s struggle for self-determination. He emphasized that the song was deeply intertwined with the aspirations of generations of Indians, serving both as a call to action against colonial rule and as a source of moral and spiritual inspiration. According to Modi, the song energized people to confront injustice and adversity, whether it was British colonial policies, internal political challenges, or threats to national integrity.

Modi’s address also explored the broader cultural and religious dimensions of Vande Mataram. While only the first two stanzas of the song were adopted as India’s national song due to objections regarding the later stanzas invoking Hindu goddesses, the Prime Minister highlighted how these initial verses spoke to the motherland in universal terms, uniting people across regions and communities. He accused the Congress party, particularly Jawaharlal Nehru, of yielding to the concerns raised by the Muslim League, which argued that certain stanzas could “irritate” Muslim citizens. Modi described the 1937 session of the Congress Working Committee in Kolkata, convened to review the song’s adoption, as a moment when political expediency, rather than cultural or historical significance, influenced decision-making.

The parliamentary exchange over the terms used to address Bankim Chandra also reflected a sensitivity to regional linguistic norms and cultural etiquette. In Bengali, “da,” short for “dada,” is an informal term denoting an elder brother, commonly used in casual settings. In contrast, “Babu” is a formal, respectful title, often reserved for intellectuals or officials. By acknowledging this distinction with humor and grace, Modi maintained the decorum of the House while respecting regional sensibilities. The brief intervention by TMC MP Roy served as a reminder of the delicate balance required in national discourse, especially when addressing historical and cultural icons with deep regional connections.

Beyond the linguistic correction, the speech reinforced the enduring power of Vande Mataram to unite the nation during periods of stress and challenge. Modi highlighted that the song’s influence transcended colonial resistance, inspiring collective action during emergencies, wars, and other crises. He positioned Vande Mataram as a unifying cultural touchstone, a symbol that had repeatedly helped India overcome adversity. The Prime Minister’s reflections conveyed that the song remained relevant not only for historical commemoration but also as a guiding force for contemporary national identity and civic engagement.

The 150th anniversary discussion in Parliament came at a time when debates over national symbols and their interpretations remain politically charged. Modi’s address, while celebratory, also carried a subtle political undertone, linking historical narratives to contemporary governance and nation-building efforts. By emphasizing the song’s role in fostering unity and resistance, Modi sought to underscore its continued relevance in nurturing national pride, resilience, and cultural continuity.

In conclusion, the parliamentary moment on Monday highlighted multiple layers of significance surrounding Vande Mataram. From the linguistic sensitivity brought forward by TMC MP Sougata Roy to Modi’s measured and humorous response, the episode underscored the interplay of culture, history, and politics in India’s democratic discourse. The Prime Minister’s speech reaffirmed the song’s central place in India’s collective consciousness, emphasizing its ability to inspire, unify, and energize generations past and present. By linking the legacy of Vande Mataram to both historical struggles and contemporary national identity, Modi reminded members of the House—and the nation at large—of the enduring power of words, music, and cultural symbols in shaping the moral and political fabric of India.

The 150-year milestone of Vande Mataram thus served not only as a commemoration of a historical literary work but also as a reflection on the nation’s journey through colonial rule, democratic challenges, and contemporary aspirations. In this context, the brief linguistic exchange between the Prime Minister and a member of the opposition became emblematic of India’s vibrant parliamentary democracy, where respect for regional identities, cultural heritage, and historical figures coexist with robust debate and political engagement.