Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to initiate a special debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha on December 8, 2025, marking a historic parliamentary discussion.
The Lok Sabha has allocated about 10 hours for the debate, starting at noon, with key speakers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and opposition leaders such as Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also participating.
The Rajya Sabha will continue the discussion on December 9, led by Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister J.P. Nadda. This debate forms part of year-long celebrations commemorating the composition of Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.
PM Modi has criticized the Congress party for reportedly removing key stanzas of the song in 1937, which he alleged contributed to communal divisions preceding partition.
The event intends to spotlight unknown historical facets of the song and deepen public awareness, especially among youth, about the significance of Vande Mataram as a national song embodying patriotic fervor against colonial rule.
The debate is expected to deepen awareness among youth and the wider public regarding the historical and cultural importance of Vande Mataram, and may reignite political discourse on interpretations of national symbols and the legacy of the independence movement.
The BJP government has been emphasizing the importance of national pride and patriotism, and this debate is seen as part of those efforts.
The year-long celebration involves various awareness campaigns targeted at students and youth to rejuvenate interest in national heritage.
Recent Parliamentary sessions in 2025 faced protests and adjournments over other contentious issues, affecting legislative business.
The Vande Mataram debate 2025 is a significant event in the Winter session of Parliament, and its impact will be closely watched by the public and political analysts.
