Parliament to Celebrate 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Special Debate

The Indian Parliament is set to hold a special discussion on December 7, 2025, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. This significant event will take place during the ongoing Winter Session, which began on December 1 and will conclude on December 19. The Lok Sabha will allocate a total of 10 hours for this discussion, which will also include contributions from the Rajya Sabha on December 9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to initiate the debate at 12:00 noon on Monday, marking the formal start of the proceedings. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has been given three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate. In addition to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the conclusion of the discussion. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to open the discussion in the Upper House.

The debate aims to highlight several important yet lesser-known historical aspects of ‘Vande Mataram’, which has played a crucial role in India’s cultural and political identity. The Congress Party will also have a significant presence, with eight leaders, including Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy, and Jyotsna Mahant, scheduled to speak during the Lok Sabha session.

The 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ was officially observed on November 7, 2025. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the song was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on this date in 1875. It later became part of Chatterjee’s novel ‘Anandamath’, published in 1882, and was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. Over the years, ‘Vande Mataram’ has become an integral part of India’s civilizational, political, and cultural consciousness, resonating deeply with the country’s identity.

This special discussion reflects the ongoing commitment of the Indian Parliament to honor and recognize the cultural heritage that shapes the nation. The inclusion of various political voices in this debate underscores the song’s significance across different segments of society, enhancing its historical and cultural relevance.