Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, December 8, opened a special discussion in the Lok Sabha marking the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. Launching the debate, he recalled how the song emerged at a time when British rulers attempted to impose “God Save the Queen” in Indian public life.
PM Modi said, “Vande Mataram is not just a mantra for political freedom; it was a sacred war cry to rid Bharatmata of vestiges of colonialism,” stressing that the national song went far beyond its role as a rallying call during the freedom struggle.
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During the session, other key issues were also raised in Parliament. The government informed that 3,155 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States in 2025 up to November 21. Responding to a query, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that all deportations are based on “unambiguous verification” of nationality. He was asked whether those who had entered through the illegal “donkey route” were among the recently deported, and how many Indians had been sent back over the past three years.
In the Rajya Sabha, several private members’ bills were introduced on Friday. These included proposals for guaranteed urban employment, granting citizens the “right to recall” elected representatives, and even amending the Preamble of the Constitution. Such bills are brought forward by MPs who are not ministers.
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Continuing his remarks in the Lok Sabha on ‘Vande Mataram’, the Prime Minister added, “Vande Mataram became the voice of the freedom struggle. Vande Mataram also had a vision for free India… Bankim revealed the strength of India. It showed to millions that the struggle was not just for a piece of land. It was about resurrecting the glorious past of India.”
He also shared, “Bengal was partitioned but the Swadeshi movement picked up. Vande Mataram resonated across the country. Bankim created a bhaav vishwa through his song. The British banned Vande Mataram. Singing or publishing, or even uttering the words Vande Mataram, could result in punishment.”
Why is the debate being held on Vande Mataram in Parliament now?
The House is holding this debate now to mark the historic milestone of the national song’s 150 years. The anniversary was officially celebrated on November 7, 2025, and the discussion is expected to bring forward several significant and lesser-known historical perspectives, as reported by PTI.
