During the Bengal partition, Vande Mataram emerged as a symbol of unity,” stated the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special session in Lok Sabha on Monday to discuss Vande Mataram, as a symbol of Indian unity during colonial rule. He expressed that the British had a plan to use the divide-and-rule strategy against Indians.
One example of this was used against Indian Unity is 150 years old, and it happened to be created by the same people who attempted to break the spirit of the Indian people.
The British came to understand after 1857 that ruling India would be challenging. To splinter our society, they used Bengal as the laboratory for division and control. “However, during the Bengal partition, Vande Mataram emerged as a formidable symbol of unity,” he stated.
PM Modi noted that the British felt so threatened by the song’s rising influence that they placed limitations on its singing, printing, and distribution. He stated that the national song was composed during a period when the British sought to enforce God Save the Queen in Indian homes, but Vande Mataram transcended politics to become a “sacred battle call” against colonial rule.
Reflecting on its hundred years, the Prime Minister also criticized the Congress, stating the Constitution was “smothered” during the Emergency as the nation celebrated 100 years of Vande Mataram.
Parliament has designated 10 hours for the special discussion on the national anthem in both Houses. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is anticipated to head the Opposition’s actions.
