New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that Vande Mataram is not merely a word but a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve. He said that the significant stanzas were removed from Vande Mataram in 1937, an act by the Congress. It sowed the seeds of partition by the Congress.

He also further said that the divisive philosophy of that era remains a challenge before the nation even today.

Modi in his address at the  inauguration of the year-long commemoration of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram in New Delhi,  he released a commemorative stamp and coin on this occasion. Modi in his address said that the spirit of Vande Mataram illuminated the entire nation during the freedom struggle. But unfortunately, in 1937, the key verses of Vande Mataram a part of its soul were separated.

Modi also highlighted the timeless relevance of Vande Mataram, with a reference to Operation Sindoor. When the enemy dared to attack India’s security and honour through terrorism, the whole world saw that if the new India embodies Kamala and Vimala (forms of Goddess Durga) in the service of humanity, it also knows how to become Durga the wielder of ten weapons for the destruction of terror.

The celebrations witnessed mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at public places across the country, with widespread participation from citizens of all walks of life, held in conjunction with the main programme in the capital.

The song was written by Bankimchandra Chatterji on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami, on November 7^th, 1875. Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath.