From Banned Anthem to National Song: The Enduring Legacy of Vande Mataram

 

The song "Vande Mataram" is a potent source of inspiration for expressing patriotism, revered by many Indians as a symbol of their love for the country. It is closely linked with loyalty to Indian nationalism, sparking a debate on whether embracing this ideology is a personal choice. Emphasizing unity and solidarity, the country should promote "Vande Mataram" as a sacred emblem of national pride, despite Mahatma Gandhi's contrasting view. This exploration delves into the multifaceted significance of "Vande Mataram" in Indian nationalism, touching upon its historical origins, cultural significance, political emblem, religious squabbles, and the enduring legacy.

Historical Origins:

In 1870, "Vande Mataram" emerged as a remarkable poem that beautifully blended Bengali and Sanskrit languages. Crafted in response to the British national anthem "God Save the Queen" (or King), the poem was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (June 1838–April 1894), a devoted nationalist, poet, novelist, and exceptional journalist of Bengal. First published in the author's magazine ‘Bangadarshan  Patrika’ in 1875, this composition played a vital role during that period, as Bangadarshan was a significant literary platform. Chatterjee's poetic ingenuity shone through his portrayal of India as a revered mother goddess, kindling the spirits of numerous activists during the Indian Independence Movement. The incorporation of this poem in the Bengali novel "Anandmath" in 1882, serving as a rallying cry for rebel Shayasi against the oppressive Zamindary system imposed by the East India Company, combined with the memories of the 1857 revolt, accelerated the popularity of this patriotic anthem to enduring heights.

Cultural significance:

The motherland holds immense importance in Hindu culture, often likened to a mother. Throughout history, numerous valiant warriors of India, such as Lord Rama, the illustrious Guptas, the mighty Muryas, and the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have fiercely battled to safeguard their motherland. The anthem "Vande Mataram" emerged as a cultural emblem encapsulating the nation's essence with its evocative verses and melodious composition. Sung in diverse languages nationwide, it acted as a unifying agent, bridging linguistic, regional, and religious divides. "Vande Mataram" conveys profound respect and recognition for the motherland and the essence of being Indian.

Political  Emblem:

During the 1896 Calcutta Congress session,   Kavi Guru Rabindranath set "Vande Mataram" to music for the first time and performed it as the inaugural song. Over time, various figures, including esteemed composers and vocalists like Hemanta Mukherjee and A. R. Rehman, have endeavoured to interpret "Vande Mataram" in their unique styles. Notably, the song was even sung in a Muslim-majority region during the regrettable partition of Bengal. At the Benaras Congress Session in 1905, Sarala Devi Chaudurani, Rabindranath Tagore's niece, sang "Vande Mataram," drawing the attention of Gandhiji. Following a session in 1906 chaired by Dadabhai Naoroji, a committee comprising members such as Dadabhai  Naoroji, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru was formed to address inconsistencies in the subsequent verses. The committee determined that the initial two stanzas were appropriate for public performances as they lacked any controversies

Religious squabbles:

The motherland plays a crucial role in Hindu culture, often likened to a mother. Throughout history, Indian warriors like Lord Rama, the Guptas, the Muryas, and Chhatrapati  Shivaji  Maharaj fought bravely to protect their land. "Vande Mataram" symbolizes the nation's spirit with its powerful verses and melodious tune, uniting people across languages, regions, and faiths. This song reflects deep respect for the motherland and the essence of being Indian.

In 1937, the Congress party gained control of various regions of British India in a brief colonial experiment that granted some independence to the provinces. During this time, the Congress-led government, out of sensitivity towards Muslims, prohibited the broadcasting of Vande Mataram on the radio. Musician and singer Krishna Rao Phulambrikar opposed the ban by refusing to perform on the radio for several years, declaring, "If Vande Mataram is not broadcasted on the radio, then none of my songs should be aired either." Nevertheless, after independence, the ban lost its significance. On Gudi Padva in 1947, which marks the commencement of the Maharashtrian New Year in the Hindu month of Chaitra, Master Krishnarao organized a radio concert that culminated with the rendition of Vande Mataram.

Enduring Legacy

On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of India adopted Vande Mataram as the national song. President Rajendra Prasad stressed that this song should be accorded the same respect as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Vande Mataram has been translated into more than 10 languages in India. To this day, "Vande Mataram" reverberates during national commemorations, cultural functions, and instances of national solidarity, acting as a tribute to India's diverse culture, heritage, and its journey towards freedom and advancement.

In November 2022, the Indian Government submitted a legal document to the Delhi High Court affirming that both Vande Mataram, the national song, and Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem, should be revered equally. While the Constitution of India does not explicitly specify a "national song," the document underscored the importance of citizens showing equal reverence for both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana. The initial verses of Vande Mataram symbolically allude to the "mother" and "motherland" without any religious connotations.

 

                         Highlighting  important events

·   Vande Mataram, the national song of India, was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870.

·        "Vande Mataram, crafted in a beautifully intricate Bengali style, consists of   Sanskrit verses."

·    Its popularity soared with the release of Anandamath in 1882, where the song was prominently featured.

·   The Indian freedom movement was greatly influenced by the significant role played by the song.

·        In   1950, the  Song   was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India National song.

·   Sri Aurobindo Ghose edited Vande Mataram, an Enlish-ianguage journal founded by Bipin Chandra Pal in 1905 .

·    The initial version of the Indian Flag,   was hoisted in Germany, bore the inscription 'Vande Mataram' and was crafted by Madam Bhikhaji Cama in 1907.

·        During its rule, the British government banned 'Anandmath' and considered chanting Vande Mataram a criminal offense, a decree that faced defiance from activists and freedom fighters.

·    Hiralal Sen made a political film in 1905, which ended with Vande Mataram’s tune.

·        In 1907, Hemendra Mohan Bose, the pioneering gramophone manufacturer from India, recorded Rabindranath Tagore singing the poem on a phonograph cylinder. This marked the beginning of commercial gramophone recordings, with the cylinder serving as the primary medium.

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