PM Modi Slams 1937 'Division' of Vande Mataram, Links 'Divisive Mindset' to Today's Challenges

On the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, launching a commemorative coin and stamp to mark the occasion. The event was also attended by key figures including Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. In a poignant reference to history, the Prime Minister stated, 'durbhagy se 1937 Mein vande mataram K mahatvapoorn padon ko uski atma ke Ek hisse ko alag kar diya Gaya tha' (Unfortunately, in 1937, important parts of Vande Mataram, a part of its soul, were separated). The speech connected Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's historic song to India's journey, from the freedom struggle to modern achievements like the Chandrayaan mission. PM Modi framed Vande Mataram as the inspirational force for building a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, emphasising the role of 'Nari Shakti' (women empowerment) and a self-reliant nation.