Chandigarh, 19 December 2025- During the ongoing winter session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini delivered a detailed reply to the discussion on “Vande Mataram”, highlighting the historical significance, enduring spirit, and cultural pride associated with the song. Speaking with deep reverence, the Chief Minister underscored the song’s 150-year journey as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and India’s struggle for freedom.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to all members for engaging in a collective discussion on Vande Mataram, describing it as a mantra that infused India’s freedom movement with courage, self-discipline, and a spirit of sacrifice. He emphasized that remembering Vande Mataram in the Assembly reflects the commitment of the House and inspires future generations.
Marking the completion of 150 years of this historic chant, the Chief Minister said that the occasion is not merely a discussion but a remembrance of the nation’s soul, cultural consciousness, and long journey of freedom. He said that the song inspired millions to break the chains of slavery and became a sacred symbol of national awakening, struggle, and self-respect.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini recalled that India is also celebrating 75 years of the Constitution, the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, reflecting the enduring legacy of national consciousness.
Historical Journey of Vande Mataram
The Chief Minister traced the origins of the song to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, first published on 7 November 1875. He highlighted its role in galvanizing the freedom movement, mentioning the 1907 English newspaper Vande Mataram edited by Sri Aurobindo, which the British deemed highly dangerous, and recalled performances by Rabindranath Tagore and Sarala Devi Chaudhurani. He further shared that even India’s hockey team sang Vande Mataram after winning the 1936 Berlin Olympics, showcasing national pride.
He highlighted the pivotal role of Sardar Patel, who requested Pandit Omkarnath Thakur to render the song on All India Radio onAugust 15, 1947, and the Constituent Assembly, which accorded it the status of National Song on January 24, 1950. The Chief Minister remarked that the journey of Vande Mataram had witnessed both glorious moments and difficult phases, including colonial rule, Emergency, and challenges to democracy.
Cultural Resistance and Revolutionary Spirit
The Chief Minister further shared that Vande Mataram was more than a song; it was a cultural resistance and ideological revolution during British repression. He recounted its significance in the Swadeshi movement, the partition of Bengal, and the courage shown by women and children in the face of brutal British suppression. The sacrifices of revolutionaries such as Khudiram Bose, Madan Lal Dhingra, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Lahiri, and Master Surya Sen were highlighted, all of whom embraced the gallows chanting Vande Mataram.
He emphasized Haryana’s pivotal role in the freedom struggle, with Rao Tula Ram leading resistance from Rewari during 1857, and farmers and soldiers from Jhajjar, Rohtak, Hisar, and Ambala confronting the British. Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and the Arya Samaj movement strengthened national consciousness across Haryana, demonstrating that the state’s soil produces both food and bravery.
Mahatma Gandhi and the National Soul
The Chief Minister quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s 1905 words in Indian Opinion, highlighting how Vande Mataram became the soul of the Swadeshi movement and inspired millions to unite for India’s cause. Gandhi regarded the song as an expression of the national soul, inspiring all who lived and worked for India.
CM strongly Criticized Congress’ Historical Appeasement on Vande Mataram
The Chief Minister sharply criticized the Congress for historical compromises that undermined the sanctity of Vande Mataram. He stated that in 1937, when the Muslim League opposed the song, Congress leadership failed to defend it firmly. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru even expressed concerns that the song might offend Muslims, leading to Congress announcing a review of its usage. The subsequent appeasement on 26 October 1937 fragmented Vande Mataram, creating distrust and controversy around a song revered as a national symbol.
He emphasized that despite its sanctity, political appeasement dragged the song into disputes, an uncomfortable truth that younger generations must know.
India Commemorates 150th Anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ Under PM Modi’s Leadership- CM
Post-independence, the Chief Minister highlighted that India faced diverse challenges—from food crises to Emergency, wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic—yet national resilience endured, strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this spirit, a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was inaugurated on 7 November 2025, including commemorative stamps and coins.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini asserted that these 150 years are not merely about remembering the past but about shaping a future towards a self-reliant and developed India. Haryana continues to advance development, good governance, and self-reliance, reflecting the enduring spirit of Vande Mataram.
Vande Mataram: Celebrating 150 Years of Patriotism, Sacrifice, and National Pride
The Chief Minister’s address highlighted the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram as a symbol of national pride, cultural consciousness, and the indomitable spirit of India’s freedom struggle. He emphasized that the song inspired countless revolutionaries, united the nation against colonial oppression, and became a moral compass for generations.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also shared about Haryana’s significant role in India’s freedom movement. He paid tribute to Rao Tula Ram, farmers, soldiers, and local leaders from Jhajjar, Rohtak, Hisar, and Ambala, whose sacrifices demonstrated the state’s enduring bravery and patriotic commitment to the nation.
The Chief Minister criticized the Congress for political appeasement in 1937, which fragmented the unity of Vande Mataram and compromised its sanctity. He stressed that younger generations must understand this historical context and appreciate the full significance of the song as a national symbol.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram is not just a remembrance of the past, but a call to action to shape a self-reliant, developed, and united India by 2047. He underlined the importance of carrying forward the spirit of the song in national development and governance.
The Chief Minister urged citizens and Assembly members to embody the values of Vande Mataram in daily life, public service, and governance. He envisioned India achieving 100 years of independence in 2047 as a developed and self-reliant nation, thus truly honouring the song.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed Haryana’s dedication to development, good governance, and cultural pride. The state’s progress in line with the values of Vande Mataram was presented as a model of how historical inspiration can guide contemporary policy and public conduct.
CM urges members adopt Vande Mataram as a guiding principle of life
The Chief Minister urged members to adopt Vande Mataram not just as a song but as a guiding principle of life. He envisioned India achieving 100 years of independence in 2047 as a developed and self-reliant nation, thereby truly honouring the song. He called upon the Assembly to collectively acknowledge its debt to Vande Mataram and embody its spirit in public conduct.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Speaker and all members of the Assembly for allowing him to speak on this historic subject.
