Parliament Marks Intense Day of Debate on 150 Years of Vande Mataram

Parliament’s winter session on December 8 was dominated by an extended debate in the Lok Sabha commemorating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The government initiated the discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi opening the proceedings, framing the song as a powerful emblem of India’s struggle for independence and a unifying cultural force. He described Vande Mataram as a “sacred call” that once mobilised generations of Indians against colonial rule, arguing that its emotional and historical resonance remains vital in contemporary nation-building.

Modi also revisited earlier political decisions surrounding the song, criticising past governments for altering or sidelining parts of it. He claimed these changes weakened its unifying message and contributed to social and political divisions. His remarks set the tone for a charged and often polarised debate that stretched nearly ten hours.

Opposition members countered strongly, questioning the intent and timing of the special discussion. Several leaders argued that the government was attempting to use historical symbolism for political gain, especially with elections approaching in multiple states. They accused the ruling dispensation of dwelling excessively on the past while neglecting pressing economic and social challenges. One of the sharper critiques labelled the debate a theatrical distraction designed to shift public attention away from real-time governance concerns.

Despite political disagreements, many speakers across party lines acknowledged the emotional significance of Vande Mataram and its role as a rallying cry during the freedom struggle. Members recounted historical episodes in which the song inspired revolutionary fervour, highlighting its influence at a time when singing it was banned under colonial rule.

Alongside the commemorative debate, the government also introduced the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025. The legislation proposes a new cess on pan masala manufacturing units to generate funds aimed at strengthening health infrastructure and national security initiatives.

By the end of Day 6, the session had underscored the enduring symbolic power of Vande Mataram while also revealing deep political divergences over how the nation’s historical memory should be interpreted and invoked in contemporary policymaking.