Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted in the State Assembly that ‘Vande Mataram’ holds deep significance beyond being just a song; it embodies the spirit of India. She underscored that the national song, marking its 150th anniversary, instills a sense of duty, unity, and reverence for the motherland among citizens. Gupta pointed out that ‘Vande Mataram,’ penned 150 years ago, emerged as a voice of conscience during India’s struggle for independence.
Referring to the song’s veneration of India’s land, nature, culture, and civilization, the Chief Minister stressed that it symbolizes the values and culture nurtured by the country’s soil. She emphasized the importance of discussing this historic national song in the Assembly on its 150th anniversary, noting that during the Emergency period coinciding with its 100th anniversary, ‘Vande Mataram’ did not receive due recognition.
Gupta commended the current leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing the nation with the ethos of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (development and heritage). She highlighted India’s progress in preserving its cultural and historical heritage while achieving new milestones. The Chief Minister expressed optimism about India transitioning from a colonial mindset to a self-reliant and prosperous nation, guided by the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’
She traced the origins of ‘Vande Mataram’ to the renowned litterateur and nationalist thinker Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, later featured in the novel ‘Anandamath’ in 1882. Gupta clarified that the song transcends religious, sectarian, class, or political boundaries, embodying the inseparable bond between the motherland and her children. She emphasized that ‘Vande Mataram’ signifies a national ethos transcending political affiliations.
The Chief Minister lamented attempts to politicize ‘Vande Mataram,’ stressing that every word of the song extols Bharat Mata (Mother India). She highlighted how the song celebrates India’s natural beauty, prosperity, and unity among its people. Gupta remarked on the ongoing ideological struggle in the nation, emphasizing the need for a collective national consciousness to address it effectively.
