Indian history is full of such moments, whose brilliance has not diminished even with the passage of time. Today, when we remember the fight for independence, we not only remember the bravery of the brave freedom fighters but also remember the songs and slogans whose echoes awakened the wave of freedom across the country. The loudest, most powerful and most sacred of these voices was – ‘Vande Mataram’. There is to be a 10-hour discussion on the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Lok Sabha today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will start the discussion at 12 noon. The debate regarding this song has intensified from the streets to the Parliament. Therefore, it is important to understand the significance of the song ‘Vande Mataram’ during the freedom struggle.
This is the same creation that challenged the shackles of slavery, united millions of Indians and dispelled their fatigue in the path of struggle. Born 150 years ago, this song still evokes the same energy, pride and enthusiasm as it did during the days of the freedom movement. In the 19th century, the British government issued an order making it mandatory to sing ‘God Save the Queen’ in public institutions. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was very upset by this order. A question arose in his mind: Should we praise a foreign power in our own motherland? At that very moment, a new flame lit up in his heart, and he resolved to write a hymn in praise of Mother India. A hymn that awakens the Indian soul, inspires the struggling people, and keeps the desire for freedom burning in the heart of every Indian.
The work that showed the way to the freedom struggle
Around 1875, the tune of ‘Vande Mataram’ came from the pen of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and within no time, this composition from the novel Anand Math started resonating all over India. Every revolutionary who heard it felt as if this song was speaking directly to their heart. Jail cells, noose to hang, repressive policies – nothing could stop the inspiration for this song. The echo of ‘Vande Mataram’ started being heard everywhere.
Purity of Sanskrit and sweetness of Bengali
The beauty of this composition lies in the fact that its initial verses are in Sanskrit, while the later lines are in Bengali, which gives it beauty and sweetness. When Rabindranath Tagore presented it with music at the Calcutta session of the Congress in 1896, the eyes of thousands present at the gathering were filled with pride and emotion. Later, Aurobindo Ghosh made a brilliant English translation of it, which introduced it to many scholars around the world.
Independent India gave the highest honor
When the country adopted its Constitution on January 24, 1950, Vande Mataram was given the status of the national song of India on the same day. It got as much respect as the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. Today, 150 years later, this song is not only read and sung, but it remains a living source of emotions and inspiration for the people of India.
