Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday initiated a special discussion in the state's Legislative Council to mark the 150th anniversary of the iconic song Vande Mataram. He emphasized its profound role in shaping India's historical and cultural identity, linking its legacy directly to contemporary national goals.
Vande Mataram: A Beacon for National Development
Maurya stated that the commemoration reinforces unity, cultural consciousness, and nationalism in modern India. He framed the milestone as a springboard for future aspirations. "At such a time when we are discussing 150 years of Vande Mataram, what we have as a target in front of us is making India and UP developed by 2047," Maurya declared. He pointed out that the year 2047 will mark a century of India's independence, calling the achievement of development goals by then the true spirit of Vande Mataram.
Government Schemes as Modern Manifestations
The Deputy CM elaborated that Vande Mataram symbolizes women's empowerment and the transformative impact of government welfare initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He cited several flagship schemes as practical examples of this patriotic spirit in action.
Over 4 crore poor families have received pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana, complete with toilets, he noted. The Har Ghar Nal scheme is ensuring water access for all households. On financial inclusion, Maurya highlighted that more than 64 crore bank accounts were opened after 2014, while the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana provides free ration to 80 crore people. He also mentioned universal electricity access achieved by the "double engine" government.
Cultural and Environmental Initiatives
Maurya connected the sentiment of Vande Mataram to broader cultural and environmental efforts. He praised the PM's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, urging every citizen to plant a tree in their mother's name for conservation. On the cultural front, he asserted, "Ram Mandir is Rashtra Mandir, and its construction is true Vande Mataram." He also described the gathering of over 65 crore devotees at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as a living embodiment of the song's unifying message.
Concluding his address, Keshav Prasad Maurya stressed that citizens experience the real essence of independence when they benefit from these government schemes, positioning welfare and development as the contemporary interpretation of the historic slogan's call to nationhood.
