The lower house of the Parliament, Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on December 8, to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, during which several important, lesser-known historical facets of the iconic national song are expected to be highlighted. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the debate at 12 noon on December 8(Monday), marking the formal beginning of the proceedings. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to speak at the conclusion of the discussion.
The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion, as the debate will also take place in the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, on December 9(Tuesday). Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to open the discussion in the Upper House of the Parliament. These discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The Winter session of Parliament commenced on December 1 and will continue till December 19. The 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to “Mother, I Bow to Thee”, was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, ‘Vande Mataram’ was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn in his immortal novel ‘Anandamath’, which was published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, which has become an integral part of the nation’s civilisational, political and cultural consciousness.
PM Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the national capital on November 7. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that Vande Mataram is not merely a word – it is a mantra, an energy, a dream and a solemn resolve. He highlighted that Vande Mataram embodies “devotion and spiritual dedication to Maa Bharati”. The Prime Minister stated that the song connects people to the country’s history, fills the present with confidence and inspires the future with the courage to believe that no resolve is beyond fulfilment and no goal is beyond reach.
(With Inputs from ANI)
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