The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram represents far more than the journey of a song; it is the story of India's evolving national consciousness, stated Lal Bihari Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. His remarks came during a reflection on the profound legacy of the national song.
More Than Words: A Symbol of Sacrifice and Unity
Delving into the history of Vande Mataram, Yadav emphasized that it is not merely a literary composition. He described it as a powerful expression of devotion, sacrifice, and patriotic love for the motherland. Vande Mataram served as the soul of India's freedom struggle, he asserted, transcending partisan politics, specific ideologies, or any single organization.
"It is the voice of India itself," Yadav said, highlighting that the song embraces the nation's core principles: its celebrated diversity, the Constitution, and democratic values. He pointedly questioned the contemporary political landscape, asking whether the right to certify patriotism has been monopolized by certain parties. "This is not allowed by Vande Mataram," he declared.
Patriotism as Responsibility, Not Performance
Yadav connected the true spirit of Vande Mataram to pressing national issues. He argued that the song does not permit a reality where the youth remain unemployed, farmers are compelled to protest on highways, and inflation runs high. Respect for Vande Mataram, according to him, is demonstrated through action and justice.
He cautioned against a forced and hollow nationalism, stating that "when nationalism is forced on someone, it makes the nation weak." Drawing a contrast, he outlined his party's stance: "Samajwadi Party does not make a show of patriotism but takes it as a responsibility."
The True Meaning of Vande Mataram Today
For Lal Bihari Yadav, the contemporary relevance of Vande Mataram lies in tangible outcomes. He defined its essence as ensuring the security and dignity of women, generating employment for the country's youth, upholding respect for the constitutional framework, and guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. In his view, these are the real markers of the patriotic spirit that the song embodies, moving beyond symbolic gestures to substantive governance and social justice.
