NEW DELHI: In a veiled swipe at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that key stanzas of the national song “Vande Mataram” were dropped in 1937, sowing the seeds of partition, and warned that such a “divisive mindset” continues to challenge the nation even today.
Modi made the remarks while inaugurating the year-long commemoration marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. On the occasion, he also released a commemorative stamp and coin.
“Vande Mataram became the voice of India’s freedom struggle, echoing the emotions of every Indian. Unfortunately, in 1937, important stanzas — the very soul of the song — were removed. This division of Vande Mataram sowed the seeds of partition. Today’s generation must know why such an injustice was done to this ‘maha mantra’ of nation-building. This divisive mindset still remains a challenge for the country,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the song’s enduring relevance, Modi, in a reference to Operation Sindoor, added, “When enemies attacked our honour and security through terrorism, the world saw India take the form of Goddess Durga.”
He said that the 150-year milestone of Vande Mataram serves as a new source of inspiration and energy for the nation. “Vande Mataram is not just a word — it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, a resolve. It is devotion and worship of Mother India. It connects us to our history and strengthens our courage for the future. There is no goal beyond our reach if we move forward with knowledge, science, and technology,” he said.
The programme formally launched the year-long nationwide celebration — from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026 — honouring the timeless composition that inspired India’s freedom struggle and continues to symbolize national pride and unity.
Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on Akshaya Navami (November 7, 1875), Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his iconic novel Anandamath.
