PM Modi’s Lighthearted Remark and Reflections on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Parliament

New Delhi | 8 December 2025:
During the Parliament discussion marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only highlighted the historical and patriotic significance of the song but also shared a humorous moment that had the entire House in laughter.

A Humorous Parliamentary Moment

As PM Modi addressed the House, a opposition MP attempted to interject during his speech. With characteristic wit, the Prime Minister remarked, “Dada, your health is fine, isn’t it?” and added, “At this age, such things happen.” The comment sparked laughter across the chamber, lightening the atmosphere amid a serious discussion on the national song.

Vande Mataram: The Spirit of Indian Patriotism

PM Modi emphasized how Banik Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition of ‘Vande Mataram’ became the voice of India’s freedom struggle. From the east to the west and the north to the south, the song emerged as a symbol of national resolve and unity.

He traced the song’s historical journey:

• When the song turned 50 years old, India was still under colonial rule.
• By its 100th anniversary, the nation had endured the Emergency, with constitutional rights suppressed and patriots jailed for standing up for freedom.

Origins of Vande Mataram

The Prime Minister recalled that ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed in 1875, in the aftermath of the 1857 Revolt, a period when the British regime was attempting to suppress nationalist sentiment. In these challenging times, Chattopadhyay’s composition became a defiant response to oppression, symbolizing the spirit of resistance—“brick for a stone” against tyranny.

Through these reflections, PM Modi highlighted how ‘Vande Mataram’ has continuously inspired generations, reminding every Indian of the power of unity, courage, and patriotism.