The union government is planning a full-day discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ during the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1. Senior officials said the idea is to mark 150 years of the song and reflect on its importance in India’s cultural and nationalist identity.
According to sources, the government wants members from all political parties to take part in the discussion, and both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chairpersons will encourage participation. Officials said the upcoming debate will focus on how the song continues to inspire young people and remains meaningful across generations, regardless of political differences. They also noted that Parliament ends every session with a recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’, which shows its symbolic value in India’s democratic traditions.
The plan comes during nationwide celebrations marking 150 years of the song. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the year-long events on November 7 in New Delhi. At the ceremony, he said, “Vande Mataram is not just a word, it is a mantra, an energy, a dream and a solemn resolve.” Modi added that the song reflects devotion to the country, connects people to history, gives confidence in the present and encourages bravery for the future. The government also released a special coin and postage stamp to mark the anniversary. Modi said the song played an important role during India’s freedom movement.
Even as the celebrations continue, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat issued a reminder on November 24 asking members not to shout slogans such as ‘Vande Mataram’ or ‘Jai Hind’ inside or outside the House, saying this goes against parliamentary etiquette. The Congress criticised the BJP soon after, claiming that “those who did not lose anything in the freedom movement and sided with the British have problems with slogans linked to the independence struggle.”
However, Secretariat officials told news agency PTI that this is not the first time such an advisory has been issued. A similar notice was released in November 2005 during the UPA government, which also said that raising slogans like ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ was not in line with parliamentary customs.
