“Vande Mataram” is India's National Song. History of Vande Mataram The national song “Vande Mataram”, by Bankimchandra Chatterji is believed to have been written during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami which was on 7th November in 1875. Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath in a serialised manner and later as a standalone book in 1882. During that period, India was undergoing major social, cultural and political changes, and there was a growing consciousness of national identity and resistance to colonial rule. The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation. On 24th January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, declared that “Vande Mataram”, having played a historic role in the freedom struggle, shall be accorded equal honour with the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.” Vande Mataram Lyrics Renditions of Vande Mataram Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's Version In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sand Vande Mataram at the Kolkata session of the Indian National Congress. Pandit Omkarnath Thakur's Version August 15, 1947, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur accepted an invitation from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to broadcast the tune over All India Radio at 6.30 AM. Role of Vande Mataram in the Freedom Struggle Over time Vande Mataram became a rallying cry of freedom fighters, a symbol of love and devotion to the motherland and a slogan of resistance against the foreign power. The colonial authorities recognized its power: they banned public singing or display of it in many places because it served as a unifying nationalist chant. Vande Mataram was not only used as a song in meetings, processions and large public gatherings but also as a slogan (“Vande Mataram!”) shouted by protesters, freedom fighters, and bravehearts. In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Kolkata session of the Indian National Congress. Later, singing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram became a routine at the Congress meetings. It gradually became an anthem for the freedom fighters. Vande Mataram was sung at the proclamation of provisional Government of Azad Hind. In 1905 Vande Mataram was an important part of the protests against partition of Bengal. In 1905, a meeting was conducted at Calcutta town hall to protest against the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon. About 40,000 people took part in the meeting and all of them sang Vande Mataram there. Lord Curzon had ordered the police to arrest anyone who sang the song. Vande Mataram Movement in Gulbarga, Karnataka, is said to be a significant moment in the history of the Hyderabad-Karnataka Freedom Struggle. 150 Years of Vande Mataram 150 Years of Vande Mataram is a national commemorative initiative to celebrate the spirit of Vande Mataram and it's unique role in the history of India. Vande Mataram is not just a song, it is the collective consciousness of India and was the rallying cry of freedom fighters during the struggle for independence. A year-long commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7th November 2026 is planned nation-wide. Source : Ministry of Culture