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New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on citizens to share their suggestions to celebrate the 150th year of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’, which was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1896.
Speaking during the 127th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “Now in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, let’s talk about a subject that is very close to everyone’s heart. This subject is our national song – the national song of India, ‘Vande Mataram’. A song whose first word creates a surge of emotions in our hearts. ‘Vande Mataram’ – this one word contains so many emotions, so many emotions. Energies.”
He said, “In simple words, it makes us experience the motherly affection of Maa Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Maa Bharati. If there is a moment of difficulty, the mantra of ‘Vande Mataram’ fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity.”
The Prime Minister said that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents patriotism and deep love for the motherland.
“Patriotism… love for Mother India… if it is a feeling beyond words, then ‘Vande Mataram’ is the song that gives concrete voice to that abstract feeling. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to breathe new life into an India weakened by centuries of slavery. ‘Vande Mataram’ may have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit remains connected to the immortal consciousness of India, that is, thousands of years old,” he said.
Referring to the ancient roots of the sentiment behind the song, PM Modi said the Vedas laid the foundation of Indian civilization with the sentiment expressed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay writing ‘Vande Mataram’, “establishing the same relationship between the motherland and its children as a mantra in the universe of sentiment”.
Explaining the timing of his remarks, the Prime Minister said, “You must be wondering why I am suddenly mentioning ‘Vande Mataram’ so much! In fact, just a few days from now, on November 7, we will enter the 150th year of the celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’. ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed 150 years ago and was first sung by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in 1896. Time.”
He said, “Crores of countrymen have always felt a tremendous surge of national pride in the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. Our generations have seen a vibrant and glorious image of India in the words of ‘Vande Mataram’.”
He said that this song will continue to serve as an inspiration for the coming generations.
PM Modi said, “We have to build this India. ‘Vande Mataram’ will always be our inspiration in these efforts. Therefore, we have to make the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’ memorable as well. We have to carry forward this stream of values for the coming generations.
Calling for public participation in the function, he said, “In the coming time, many programs related to ‘Vande Mataram’ will be organized in the country. I would like all of us countrymen to make spontaneous efforts to make ‘Vande Mataram’ proud. Please send me your suggestions with the hashtag ‘Vande Mataram 150’. I will be waiting for your suggestions and we will all work together to make it.” The opportunity is historic,” he said.
–IANS
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