The enduring appeal of India’s national song

Throughout its civilizational journey, India has been a land of songs and even today, songs continue to capture the national ethos. Songs reflect the popular trends of the times. They also entertain and inculcate values in society in equal measure.

One such tuneful melody is India’s national song, “VANDE MATARAM” written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on 7 November 1875. It first appeared in the literary journal BANGADARSHAN as part of his novel ANANDAMATH in a serialized manner and subsequently as a standalone book in 1882.

VANDE MATARAM, which was set in the late 19th century when India was under British colonial rule, vividly expressed an awakening spirit and sense of unity and self respect among all Indians. Over time it evolved into a sort of paean of respect and devotion to the nation.

As a result of the popularity and influence of VANDE MATARAM, it was given the status of “India’s national song” in January 1950 by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He accorded VANDE MATARAM the same status as JANA GANA MANA which was designated as the national anthem of India. In the past nearly eight decades, VANDE MATARAM has risen in prominence in the Indian social and cultural milieu. It continues to hold a special place of honour in official ceremonies, public events and educational institutions. This year marks the 150th anniversary of VANDE MATARAM and it gives me immense pride and satisfaction to recall its illustrious trip through history. 

(The author is the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain since August 2023. Views expressed are personal)