The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly became the stage for a significant and spirited debate on Wednesday, as members gathered to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram. The discussion, held during the winter session, saw high emotions with Speaker Raman Singh hailing the song as the very essence of the freedom struggle, while the Opposition raised concerns about historical misinterpretation.
A Song That Shaped a Nation's Destiny
Initiating a special discussion on the fourth day of the session, Speaker Raman Singh framed Vande Mataram as far more than a musical composition. He described it as the dynamic energy that fueled India's fight for independence. Singh provided a historical perspective, noting that when the song marked its 50th year, India was still under British colonial rule. When it completed a century, the nation was experiencing the Internal Emergency.
"Vande Mataram is not merely a song, it is the life-force of the freedom movement," Singh asserted. He urged all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to engage in an open and constructive manner, viewing the occasion as a chance to contribute to the vision of a 'Nav Bharat' or New India.
Opposition Flags Concerns Over Historical Narrative
While supporting the spirit of honoring the national song, Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant voiced strong objections to what he perceived as attempts to drag India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, into an unnecessary controversy. Mahant expressed bewilderment at repeated claims that Nehru was responsible for 'breaking' the song, which allegedly led to division.
"I don't understand why Nehru ji is being dragged into this," Mahant stated. He countered the narrative by clarifying that Nehru, with full sincerity, had accepted two stanzas of the song to ensure it could unite and strengthen the new nation. The Opposition leader made a fervent appeal to the House to refrain from rewriting or distorting well-established historical facts for political purposes.
Chief Minister Emphasizes Learning from History
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai spoke in favor of holding the special discussion, emphasizing the critical importance of history. He warned that societies which fail to learn from their past risk jeopardizing their future. Sai highlighted the profound connection Vande Mataram fosters with India's national consciousness and public spirit.
In his address, the Chief Minister also leveled an accusation against previous governments run by the Congress party. He alleged that their handling of matters related to Vande Mataram was influenced by a policy of 'appeasement'. This remark added a sharp political edge to the otherwise commemorative debate, reflecting the ongoing ideological tussles over national symbols and history.
The assembly session underscored how a national symbol like Vande Mataram continues to evoke deep passion and divergent interpretations in India's contemporary political discourse, 150 years after its creation.
