Statement by Rekha Gupta in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on the 150th Anniversary of the National Song Vande Mataram

“Vande Mataram is not merely a song; it is an expression of India’s soul,” CM Smt. Rekha Gupta in the Assembly

“Even after 150 years, Vande Mataram remains a unifying force binding the nation in unity, duty and respect,” Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta

“Vande Mataram belongs to the entire nation, not to any religion, class or ideology,” Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, January 2026 : The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, said in the Legislative Assembly on Friday that Vande Mataram is not merely a song, but an expression of the soul of India. The song connects citizens with a sense of duty, unity and respect towards the motherland. Referring to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Chief Minister said that this song, composed nearly 150 years ago, became the voice of consciousness during India’s freedom struggle. According to her, the song venerates India’s land, nature, culture and civilisation, and reminds us that India’s soil produces not only foodgrains but also values and culture.

Addressing the House, the Chief Minister said that deliberation in the Assembly on this historic national song at the time of its 150th anniversary is, in itself, of great significance. She noted that during the 100th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the country was passing through the period of the Emergency, due to which the national song did not receive the honour it deserved. “She described this as an unfortunate chapter in the history of Indian democracy.”

The Chief Minister said that today, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation is progressing on the principle of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (development along with heritage). India is continuously touching new heights of progress while simultaneously preserving its cultural and historical legacy. She stated that the country is gradually emerging from a colonial mindset and moving forward as a self-reliant and prosperous nation, with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ clearly before us.

She said that this song was composed by the great litterateur and nationalist thinker Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and was later included in the novel Anandamath in 1882. She clarified that the song is not associated with any religion, sect, class or political ideology, but symbolises the inseparable bond between the motherland and her children.

Smt. Rekha Gupta said that Vande Mataram represents national policy above politics. Unfortunately, some attempt to view it through a political lens, whereas every word of the song is imbued solely with praise for Bharat Mata. She said that the song proclaims the glory of India’s rivers, mountains, fields and prosperity, and unites the people of the country into a single thread.

The Chief Minister further said that the nation is currently witnessing an ideological struggle, which cannot be fought with weapons but only through national consciousness. Vande Mataram is a powerful expression of this national consciousness. She expressed confidence that the youth of the country will become the voice of India, play a leading role in nation-building and provide leadership towards a developed India.

She said that the words of Vande Mataram celebrate India’s land, nature and civilisation. The nation stands above power, and national consciousness alone strengthens the country. Expressing confidence in the youth, she said they will play a decisive role in India’s progress, unity and global leadership, and that national sentiments embodied in Vande Mataram will continue to inspire India on its journey towards becoming strong, self-reliant and a global leader.