150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Historic Tribute in Parliament, Led by Lata Mangeshkar’s Eternal Voice

Some songs uplift the nation’s honour in such a powerful way that even after decades, they continue to stir emotions and inspire millions. One such timeless composition is our national song, Vande Mataram, which ignited patriotic passion in the hearts of countless freedom fighters and continues to evoke a sense of pride even today. This iconic song has now completed 150 years.

Discussion in the Lok Sabha

This was the reason why a special discussion was held in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 8, to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of betraying the nation by supporting Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s objections to the national song. Modi alleged that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, followed Jinnah’s stance in 1937, claiming that the song “could anger Muslims,” thereby compromising its legacy.

The Prime Minister said that Congress “divided the national song into two parts” and weakened its true essence. He linked this issue with his vision of a developed India, framing national development in harmony with cultural identity.

PM Modi Praises Vande Mataram

During the discussion, the Prime Minister praised the song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in November 1875, calling it a slogan that inspired generations of freedom fighters.

He said: “Now, after 150 years, this is the right moment to restore the glory of ‘Vande Mataram,’ the slogan that fueled our struggle for independence in 1947.”

He further connected the moment to the nation’s recent milestones, saying: “We recently celebrated 75 years of our Constitution. The country commemorated the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. We also observed the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. And today, we are celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram.”

Calling it a “mantra of sacrifice, unity and strength,” PM Modi urged Parliament to preserve its legacy for future generations: “This is not just a tribute to history but a reaffirmation of our democratic spirit. Lessons from the past must continue to guide our future.”

Vande Mataram and Its Cultural Legacy

The dissussion in the Lok Sabha and the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram brought renewed attention to the song’s deep and multifaceted legacy. Vande Mataram has never been just a political slogan, a symbol of movements, or a national emblem—it has also profoundly influenced Indian art and cinema.

Vande Mataram in Indian Cinema

The most significant cinematic representation of Vande Mataram is seen in the 1952 classic “Anand Math”, directed by Hemen Gupta, which portrayed the 18th-century Sanyasi rebellion as a powerful story of national consciousness and sacrifice.

Actors Pradeep Kumar, Geeta Bali, and Bharati Devi brought this historic struggle to life with compelling performances.

Lata Mangeshkar’s Voice Made the Song Eternal

When music composer Hemant Kumar re-created Vande Mataram for the film and Lata Mangeshkar’s divine voice breathed life into it, the song rose beyond cinema and became a symbol of national pride. In 2003, BBC World Service ranked it second in the list of the world’s top 10 songs—an undeniable proof of its timeless appeal.

It would not be wrong to say that Vande Mataram is not merely a song—it is an emotion, a revolution, and an identity of our culture. Even today, it remains one of the most powerful sounds of patriotism, inspiring generation after generation to dedicate themselves to their nation.