Vande Mataram Ignited Patriotism, United India During Freedom Struggle: VP
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan stated that the national song "Vande Mataram" was instrumental in fostering patriotism and uniting Indians during the freedom struggle. He addressed a bike rally in New Delhi, marking 150 years of the song.
Key takeaways
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan stated that "Vande Mataram" was a key factor in awakening patriotism and uniting Indians during the freedom struggle.
- He spoke at a 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally in New Delhi commemorating 150 years of the national song.
- Mr. Radhakrishnan noted that the song inspired freedom fighters, with many singing it as they faced execution.
- The Vice President linked the song's legacy to current national movements and the vision of a developed India.
What Happened
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan stated that the national song "Vande Mataram" was a primary force in awakening patriotism and unifying Indians during the freedom struggle. He spoke at the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally commemorating 150 years of the song, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Mr. Radhakrishnan explained that the words "Vande Mataram" ignited fervent patriotism among Indians of that era and were key to ending British colonial rule. He highlighted that the freedom struggle itself represented an awakening of the Indian mind, spirit, and consciousness, bringing together people from diverse regions, languages, faiths, and social backgrounds under a shared aspiration for freedom.
He recalled that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, through his composition, gave voice to the nation's desire for freedom. For freedom fighters, the song served as a source of courage, sacrifice, and hope, with many meeting their end while holding the song in their hearts.
The Vice President also mentioned a significant parliamentary discussion on the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram," which lasted over 12 hours and was described as one of the session's most engaging deliberations. He noted its personal significance as it occurred during his first session as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Reflecting on a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Radhakrishnan recounted visiting sites associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, including where he hoisted the Tricolour in 1943 and the Cellular Jail. He observed that many inmates of the Cellular Jail, who faced solitary confinement, sang "Vande Mataram" as they walked to the gallows, their bravery continuing to inspire current generations.
Mr. Radhakrishnan characterized "Vande Mataram" as a call that converted love for the motherland into national duty, with its sentiment spreading rapidly across India. He linked this to India's current progress towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.
He further commented on the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally, stating that it aimed to bring the song's spirit back to the streets during its 150th anniversary year. The Vice President noted that the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, has become a people's movement, involving citizens in various activities like rallies and cultural programs, all centered around the national flag as a symbol of shared longing.
Key Facts
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan addressed a 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally in New Delhi.
- The event commemorated 150 years of the national song "Vande Mataram".
- Mr. Radhakrishnan stated that "Vande Mataram" awakened patriotism and united Indians during the freedom struggle.
- He described the song as a prime force in uprooting the British colonial Raj.
- The Vice President mentioned a special parliamentary discussion on the song's 150th anniversary that lasted over 12 hours.
- He visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including sites associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Cellular Jail.
- Mr. Radhakrishnan noted that freedom fighters in Cellular Jail sang "Vande Mataram" before being executed.
- He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.
- The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative, launched in 2022, was described as a people's movement.
- Several Union Ministers, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Virendra Kumar, were present.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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