150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Melody That Became a Movement

November 7, 2025, marks the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram — meaning “Mother, I Bow to Thee.” Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, this immortal hymn has inspired generations of Indians, symbolizing unity, devotion, and patriotism. First published in Bangadarshan on 7 November 1875, the song later featured in Bankim’s celebrated novel Anandamath (1882) and was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. Over time, Vande Mataram evolved from a literary creation into a rallying cry for India’s freedom movement, embodying the country’s civilizational pride and collective national spirit.

Historical Background

The journey of Vande Mataram mirrors the evolution of Indian nationalism. Initially written as a poetic tribute to the motherland, it became a symbol of resistance against colonial domination.

• First Publication: Bangadarshan, November 7, 1875.
• Inclusion in Literature: Later featured in Anandamath (1882).
• First Public Rendition: Sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta.
• First Political Use: On 7 August 1905, during the anti-partition movement in Bengal.

Sri Aurobindo, in 1907, recalled that Bankim composed the song 32 years earlier, recognizing it as a moment of awakening when Bengal began seeking its lost identity.

Anandamath and the Religion of Patriotism

Anandamath introduced the concept of the Motherland as a Goddess, symbolizing India’s spiritual and political awakening.

The novel’s ascetic warriors, Santanas, dedicate themselves to liberating their Mother — the nation.

In their temple, three forms of the Mother were depicted,

• The Mother That Was – Glorious and majestic.
• The Mother That Is – Enslaved and suffering.
• The Mother That Will Be – Free and radiant.

In the words of Sri Aurobindo, “The Mother of his vision held trenchant steel in her twice seventy million hands and not the bowl of the mendicant.”
Thus, Vande Mataram became more than a song — it was the manifestation of patriotism as a religion.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: The Visionary

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), one of Bengal’s literary giants, profoundly influenced India’s early nationalist thought.

Key Contributions

• Pioneer of modern Bengali prose and literature.
• Authored classic novels such as Durgeshnandini (1865), Kapalkundala (1866), Anandamath (1882), and Devi Chaudhurani (1884).
• Through Vande Mataram, he personified India as the Mother and gave Indians a spiritual and emotional identity under colonial rule.
• Bankim’s work inspired the Indian youth to see the motherland as sacred, fusing cultural devotion with political consciousness.

Vande Mataram: Song of Resistance

• By the early 20th century, Vande Mataram had transformed into a mass movement and a song of defiance.
• In October 1905, the Bande Mataram Sampradaya was founded in Calcutta, organizing Prabhat Pheris (morning processions) singing the song.
• In May 1906, over 10,000 people in Barisal (now Bangladesh) joined a Vande Mataram procession.
• In August 1906, the English daily Bande Mataram was launched by Bipin Chandra Pal and Sri Aurobindo, spreading nationalist ideas.

British Repression

• The British Government, alarmed by the growing influence of Vande Mataram, banned its public singing.
• Fines and punishments were imposed on students chanting the song in Bengal (Rangpur, 1905).
• Demonstrations in Dhulia (1906), Belgaum (1908), and other regions saw arrests and police brutality for raising the slogan.
• Despite suppression, the chant “Vande Mataram!” continued to unite Indians across regions and communities.

Battle Cry for Resurgent Nationalism

Vande Mataram became synonymous with India’s freedom struggle — echoing through protests, assemblies, and prisons.

Key Moments

• 1896: Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Indian National Congress session.
• 7 August 1905: Used as a slogan during the historic Swadeshi meeting in Calcutta.
• 1906–1908: Defiant rallies in Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab continued despite bans.
• 1914: Lokmanya Tilak’s release from prison witnessed massive crowds chanting Vande Mataram.

The song transcended religious and linguistic barriers, symbolizing unity, courage, and self-reliance.

Impact on Indian Revolutionaries Abroad

The resonance of Vande Mataram spread beyond India’s borders, inspiring revolutionaries worldwide.

• 1907: Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first tricolour in Stuttgart with “Vande Mataram” inscribed on it.
• 1909: Madan Lal Dhingra’s last words before execution in London were “Bande Mataram.”
• 1909: Indian patriots published a Bande Mataram magazine from Geneva.
• 1912: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was welcomed in South Africa with chants of Vande Mataram.

The song thus became a universal emblem of Indian nationalism, recognized globally as the voice of a resurgent India.

National Status and Constitutional Recognition

In the Constituent Assembly, there was unanimous agreement on recognizing Vande Mataram alongside Jana Gana Mana. On 24 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared,

• “The song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it.”

Thus, Vande Mataram became India’s National Song, holding equal honor with the National Anthem.

Commemorating 150 Years of Vande Mataram

The Government of India has planned yearlong celebrations to mark this historic milestone, reflecting on the song’s legacy and its relevance in contemporary India.

Key National Events (7 November 2025)

• Inaugural Event: Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi.
• Public Celebrations: Nationwide participation down to the tehsil level.
• Commemorative Stamp and Coin Release.
• Exhibition and Short Film on the history of Vande Mataram.
• Musical Renditions: Prominent singers performing regional adaptations.

Yearlong Activities

• AIR and Doordarshan special programs.
• PIB panel discussions in Tier 2 & 3 cities.
• Global cultural evenings at Indian Missions abroad.
• “Vande Mataram: Salute to Mother Earth” tree plantation drives.
• Patriotic murals, LED displays, and awareness campaigns.
• 25 short films depicting facets of Vande Mataram and Bankim Chandra’s life.

The campaign will run parallel with the “Har Ghar Tiranga” movement, symbolizing unity and national pride.