New Delhi: For the first time, “Vande Mataram” will be sung during the Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on August 15, marking a significant moment in the country’s national celebrations.
The national song will be performed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort. He will then hoist the national flag and deliver his traditional Independence Day address to the nation.
The move comes as India marks 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote “Vande Mataram”. The song will be presented from the historic Red Fort ramparts as part of this year’s celebrations, highlighting its long standing place in India’s national history.
The BJP has increasingly pushed for greater recognition of “Vande Mataram”, arguing that the national song should receive the same respect as the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”. The party has also advocated singing all six stanzas, rather than the two traditionally performed on public occasions.
In July, Parliament passed legislation making deliberate insult to “Vande Mataram” a criminal offence. The Centre has also directed that the song should be performed first in the sequence of anthems at government functions. Several states have introduced similar measures in schools.
The issue has also sparked objections from some Muslim organisations, which have opposed singing the complete version because certain verses contain references to Hindu deities.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will also focus on the role of young Indians in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. The government has clarified that the theme was planned before recent student protests over alleged examination irregularities.
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with the Red Fort once again serving as the centre of the national celebrations.
