Upholding social cohesion through the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram
The article reflects on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Originally published in the novel Anandamath in the 1880s, the song became a rallying cry for the Indian national movement. In 1937, the Indian National Congress decided to use only the first two stanzas to maintain inclusivity across religious lines. The Constitution of India later accorded it the status of the national song. The article criticizes recent partisan debates in Parliament, urging a return to the song's original spirit of accommodation and mutual respect among diverse religious and linguistic communities to ensure national unity.
Key Points
- Vande Mataram was instrumental in uniting diverse sections of society against British colonial rule during the freedom struggle.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) adopted the first two stanzas in 1937 to ensure the song remained a symbol of unity and secularism.
- The song holds the status of 'National Song' in the Republic of India, distinct from the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
- The author argues that using history to create political fissures serves no purpose and calls for a rejuvenated national purpose based on harmony.
Exam Facts
- Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in the novel Anandamath in the early 1880s.
- The year 2024-25 marks the 150th anniversary of the song's composition.
- The INC decision to use the first two stanzas at gatherings was formalized in 1937.
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