Key stanzas of Vande Mataram cut in 1937: PM; Cong hits back

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that significant stanzas of the "Vande Mataram," were removed in 1937, when it was adopted as India's national song by the Congress, adding that the move was responsible for sowing "the seeds of partition" and fostering a "divisive mindset" that continues to challenge the nation, in an apparent attack on the opposition party.

- Vrinda Tulsian

PM Narendra Modi walks through an exhibition during a function marking the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. DPR PMO

At the inauguration of yearlong celebrations marking 150 years of the national song at an event in Delhi, Modi said: "The spirit of Vande Mataram illuminated the entire nation during the freedom struggle. But unfortunately, in 1937, crucial verses of Vande Mataram, a part of its soul, were severed. Vande Mataram was broken, it was torn into pieces. This division of Vande Mataram also sowed the seeds of division of the country." He added that the "same divisive thinking remains a challenge for the country even today".

He also unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin, and a dedicated digital portal at the event.

The first two stanzas of the song were adopted as the national song in 1937.

At the function, the PM hailed "Vande Mataram", written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji in 1875 and first published in his book Anandmath in 1882, as a song that embodies the spirit of India.

"Vande Mataram is not merely a word-it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve ... The main emotion of 'Vande Mataram' is Bharat, Maa Bharati. India emerged as a gem that endured every blow of the past and through cooperation also achieved immortality," he said. Chatterjee's song start off by referring to India as mother and motherland before its later verses refer to specific Hindu Goddesses.