PM Modi's Historic Encounter with Vande Mataram Recording
Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced a remarkable moment of historical significance during the inauguration of year-long celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. The event took place at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, where the Prime Minister not only launched the celebrations but also toured an exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage associated with the iconic song.
Vintage Gramophone Steals the Show
Among the numerous exhibits that captured attention at the venue, an antique gramophone emerged as the centerpiece that particularly fascinated the Prime Minister. PM Modi listened to the first-ever recording of "Vande Mataram" played on this vintage record player, creating an unforgettable connection between modern India's leadership and the nation's historical musical legacy.
The rare gramophone record that made this unique experience possible came from the dedicated archival work of a bureaucrat couple. Akhilesh Jha, a 1996-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service officer, and his wife Rashmita Jha, a 1997-batch IRS officer, have been passionately preserving gramophone records for years. Their personal collection provided this priceless opportunity to hear the national song in its original recorded form.
Distinguished Audience for Historic Moment
The significant moment was shared by several prominent figures who joined the Prime Minister in experiencing this piece of living history. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta were among the senior officials who listened to the historic recording alongside PM Modi. The gathering represented a cross-section of India's administrative and cultural leadership coming together to honor the national song's legacy.
Controversy Surrounds Southern Railway Video
In a related development that highlighted the ongoing cultural conversations in the country, Southern Railway found itself at the center of a political controversy. The railway department shared a video on its social media platforms showing school students singing 'Gana Geetham' during the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat inaugural event on Saturday.
The video quickly drew objections from CPIM leaders in Kerala, who protested its content. In response to these objections, Southern Railway initially removed the video from its social media handles. However, the situation took another turn when Kerala BJP leaders complained to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, following which the video reappeared on the railway's official social media platforms.
The controversy expanded further when the main opposition Congress party joined the debate, accusing the organizers of using school children to promote what they called the "communal agenda" of the Sangh Parivar. Congress representatives stated that such use of children for political propagation was "illegal," adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about cultural expression and political messaging in public events.
The dual events—the historic celebration of Vande Mataram in Delhi and the contemporary controversy in Kerala—highlight the continuing significance of cultural symbols in India's national discourse and the different perspectives that surround their use in public life.
