Parliament Marks 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Special Debate

The Indian Parliament is set to hold a special discussion on December 4, 2025, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram. This debate will take place during the ongoing Winter Session, which began on December 1 and will conclude on December 19. The discussion is part of a broader celebration of a song that has become deeply embedded in India’s cultural identity.

During the debate in the Lok Sabha, the government has been allocated three hours to engage in the discourse, while a total of ten hours has been set aside for the discussions across both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to participate in the debate on December 5, 2025. The discussions aim to unveil several lesser-known historical aspects of this iconic song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally initiate the debate at 12:00 noon on December 4, marking the beginning of the proceedings. Following his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to deliver remarks, contributing to the exploration of the song’s significance in India’s history and society. Additionally, Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, will open the discussion in the Rajya Sabha.

A diverse array of speakers from the opposition Congress Party will also participate in the Lok Sabha debate. Among those expected to speak are Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi, along with prominent figures such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy, and Jyotsna Mahant.

The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was officially observed on November 7, 2025. The song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, it was incorporated into 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, embodying the spirit of the nation.

This special discussion reflects the importance of Vande Mataram in the collective memory of the country and serves as a reminder of its enduring legacy in shaping Indian identity. As Parliament engages in this significant dialogue, the focus will not only be on the history of the song but also on its relevance in contemporary India.