Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday, commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'. During his address, PM Modi once again placed the Congress party, and specifically Jawaharlal Nehru, under scrutiny, asserting that 'Vande Mataram' wasn't merely a song but the soul of India and an integral part of its freedom struggle, which he claimed Congress had betrayed.
Commemorating a Historic Occasion
PM Modi described the completion of 150 years since the composition of 'Vande Mataram' as a historic occasion, a privilege for all to witness. He emphasized that this wasn't just an anniversary but a sacred moment to recall India's glorious past and the sacrifices of its freedom fighters. This occasion, he stated, provided an opportunity to rekindle the spirit that united millions of Indians in their quest for independence.
More Than a Political Mantra
In his parliamentary address, PM Modi underscored the profound significance of 'Vande Mataram', stating it wasn't merely a mantra for political freedom. He clarified that it was a sacred war cry aimed at liberating Mother India from the remnants of colonialism. This song, he explained, wasn't confined to merely expelling the British but also proclaimed India's. Cultural and spiritual liberation, igniting a fervent sense of patriotism in the heart of every Indian.
PM Modi leveled a serious accusation against the Congress, stating that they had fragmented 'Vande Mataram'. He asserted that this act was a means for Congress to pursue its politics of appeasement, while through this charge, PM Modi questioned the historical policies of the Congress, suggesting that the party compromised national symbols and sentiments for political gain. This action, according to him, wasn't just a division of a song but an assault on India's unity and integrity.
Appeasement Politics Leading to India's Partition
The Prime Minister further stressed that under the pressure of appeasement politics, Congress bowed to the division of 'Vande Mataram'. He then drew a direct link, stating that it was for this reason that Congress eventually had to concede to the partition of India. This was a direct accusation, connecting the alleged injustice done to 'Vande Mataram' with the tragic. Historical event of India's partition, implying how a seemingly minor compromise led to major national consequences.
Nehru's Shaken Throne and Jinnah's Opposition
PM Modi also referenced Mohammed Ali Jinnah's protest against 'Vande Mataram' from Lucknow on October 15, 1936. He stated that following this incident, the then Congress President, Jawaharlal Nehru, felt his 'throne shake', while pM Modi alleged that instead of strongly condemning Jinnah's baseless statements, Nehru, on the contrary, began to investigate 'Vande Mataram' itself. This sequence of events, as presented by PM Modi, raised questions about Nehru's leadership and his commitment to national symbols.
Emergency: A Dark Chapter in History
Addressing Congress leaders, PM Modi stated in the House that when 'Vande Mataram' completed 100 years, the country was shackled by the Emergency. He described the Emergency as a dark chapter in India's history when the Constitution of India was stifled. This remark linked the centenary of 'Vande Mataram' to a period in the nation's history. When democratic values were suppressed, thereby amplifying the song's significance as a symbol of freedom.
An Opportunity to Restore Vande Mataram's Greatness
The Prime Minister declared that India now has an opportunity to restore the greatness of 'Vande Mataram'. He expressed his belief that this opportunity shouldn't be missed. This was a call for the nation to reclaim the original glory of 'Vande Mataram' and to view it not. Merely as a political symbol but as a profound source of national inspiration, embodying the spirit of the freedom struggle.
Injustice in the Last Century and Sharing History with Youth
PM Modi also highlighted that despite widespread emotional connection, 'Vande Mataram' suffered injustice in the last century. He emphasized that its history should be shared with the younger generation. It's crucial, he argued, for future generations to understand the true significance of this song and the sacrifices behind it, enabling them to take pride in their national heritage and the values it represents.
Congress's Capitulation Under Muslim League Pressure
PM Modi reiterated that the decision to fragment 'Vande Mataram' was masked as an act of social harmony. However, he asserted that history bears witness to Congress's capitulation to the Muslim League, stating that it was done under the League's pressure. This, he concluded, was a method for Congress to pursue its politics of appeasement, while this accusation casts a serious shadow on Congress's policies, suggesting that the party prioritized political expediency over national interests and unity.
Nehru's Concerns Expressed to Subhas Chandra Bose
Referring to the opposition from the Muslim League and M. A, while jinnah's stance, PM Modi stated that Jawaharlal Nehru had expressed concerns in this context to Subhas Chandra Bose. Instead of firmly supporting the song from Anandmath, Nehru had argued that it might hurt Muslim sentiments. This, according to PM Modi, indicated a prioritization of alleged communal sentiments over national unity, thereby weakening the standing of 'Vande Mataram' as a unifying force.
A Sacred War to Liberate the Motherland
PM Modi concluded his address by affirming that 'Vande Mataram' wasn't merely a mantra for a political struggle, while it wasn't limited to simply wishing for the British to leave and for India to stand on its own feet. It was a fight for freedom, a battle to liberate this motherland. It was a sacred war to free Mother India from her shackles. This statement encapsulates the deep, multifaceted significance of 'Vande Mataram', portraying it as far more than just a song, but as a symbol of India's independence and identity.
