KOZHIKODE: Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, stated in Kozhikode on August 6 that the growing popularity of the patriotic slogans “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” reflects a notable shift in public attitudes. It indicates that the earlier aversion to nationalist ideology has been replaced by wider acceptance.
The RSS leader was addressing a programme organised in connection with the birth centenary of Prof. Yeshwanth Rao Kelkar, one of the founders of ABVP. The programme was held at Kesari Bhavan.
ABVP National Secretary Shravan B. Raj, Joint Organising Secretary Balakrishna, Kshetriya Organising Secretary Kumaresh, State President Dr. Vaishakh, State Vice President Adarsh Ravi, Vichar Vibhag Convener Amal Manoj, State Joint Secretary K.T. Atuldas, RSS Senior functionary S. Ramanunni, former State Organising Secretary K.G. Venugopal, and former State General Secretary Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, former Governor of Mizoram and Goa, participated in the programme.
Ambekar’s remarks come at a time when Vande Mataram has regained renewed national prominence through a series of government initiatives marking the 150th anniversary of the National Song.
In February this year, the Union Government issued the first comprehensive protocol for Vande Mataram, directing that the complete six-stanza version be rendered at designated official functions, replacing the long-prevailing practice of using only the first two stanzas.
The guidelines also mandate that Vande Mataram be rendered before the National Anthem whenever both are performed together and prescribe occasions for its rendition while requiring attendees to stand in attention.
The renewed emphasis forms part of the year-long nationwide commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2025.
The commemoration seeks to highlight the National Song as a manifestation of India’s spiritual nationalism and its enduring role in inspiring the freedom movement, national unity and devotion to the Motherland.
