He expressed that although the song was composed in the 19th century, “its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India
India Entering 150th Year of ‘Vande Mataram’ Celebration on November 6; Time Changing for Sanskrit: PM Modi Mann Ki Baat News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 127th episode of his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, stated that India is entering the 150th year of the celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’ this year.
PM Modi said that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who wrote the song ‘Vande Mataram’ in Sanskrit, used the concept of “Earth is the mother and I am her child,” as the Vedas laid the foundation of Indian civilisation with the same sentiment.
In his address, the Prime Minister said, “The Vedas laid the foundation of Indian civilisation with the sentiment expressed as Earth is the mother and I am her child. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, by penning ‘Vande Mataram’, enshrined that same relationship between the motherland and its children as a mantra in the universe of emotions.”
He added, “On the 7th of November, we will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’. ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time.”
‘Vande Mataram’ was first published in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 1882 novel Anandamath and was later sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
PM Modi also expressed that although the song was composed in the 19th century, “its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old.”
He said, “India's national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. A song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. ‘Vande Mataram’ — this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies. In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati. If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity. Patriotism… love for Ma Bharati… if this is an emotion beyond words, then ‘Vande Mataram’ is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. ‘Vande Mataram’ might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old.”
PM Modi also remarked that the time for Sanskrit, which suffered neglect during recent history, is now changing, noting that young people are increasingly engaging with the language.
He said, “As we hear the name of Sanskrit, what comes to our mind is — our 'religious texts', 'Vedas', 'Upanishads', 'Puranas', scriptures, ancient knowledge and science, spirituality and philosophy. At one time, Sanskrit was also a language of communication. Unfortunately, during the period of servitude and also after independence, Sanskrit has consistently suffered from neglect. Times are changing, and so are the times for Sanskrit. If you go to social media, you will see many reels where young people are seen speaking in and about Sanskrit...”
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