Amid Vande Mataram Row, Govt Mulls Discussion On National Song During Parliament's Winter Session

The central government is considering a day-long discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1.

Top government sources indicated that the session

will mark a historic reflection on the 150th anniversary of the song, emphasising its enduring significance in India’s cultural and nationalist ethos.

Officials said that the discussion would seek participation from all political parties, with both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha chairs encouraging members to take part.

The government intends to highlight the relevance of ‘Vande Mataram’ for the youth and its role in shaping the spirit of nationalism, noting that the song has retained its significance over decades, irrespective of political ideologies.

Sources added that reciting ‘Vande Mataram’ at the end of every parliamentary session underscores its symbolic importance in India’s democratic tradition.

The move comes in the backdrop of the year-long nationwide celebrations commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, which were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7 in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi had described ‘Vande Mataram’ as “not merely a word, it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve.”

He emphasised that the song embodies devotion and spiritual dedication to India and connects Indians to their history, instils confidence in the present, and inspires courage for the future.

To mark the 150-year milestone, the government released a special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the song’s enduring role in India’s freedom struggle.

Amidst the growing relevance of the song, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, on November 24, reminded members not to use slogans like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ inside or outside the House to maintain decorum, citing them as a breach of parliamentary etiquette.

Later, the Congress hit out at the BJP over the same, and said those who did not lose anything in the freedom movement and sided with the British have problems with slogans associated with the independence struggle.

However, sources in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat were quoted by news agency PTI as saying that this was not the first time such an instruction had been issued.

A similar circular was released during the UPA-led government in November 2005, also emphasising that raising slogans like ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ was inconsistent with parliamentary customs and etiquette.