150th year of the national song, Vande Matram, was celebrated on November 7, 2025. Not the one to miss any opportunity to flex nationalistic muscles, the government decided to debate the momentous occasion in Parliament. And rightly too, given the historic significance of the song and the impact it had on Freedom Struggle to awaken the masses en route driving the Britons off-shore.

The debate was a welcome move. It was truly a historic occasion and needed to be celebrated with aplomb both in Parliament and outside. However, the manner in which the debate was held has left a bad taste in the mouth of “We the People” and has made us a laughing stock internationally.

Did the debate, with its controversial tone and tenor, achieve its purpose to awaken and inform new generations of Indians apart from celebrating the occasion? Did the debate succeed in instilling a strong sense of patriotism in the people which the ruling dispensation always claims to be its prime goal?

Finally, what has been the net outcome? Was it bonhomous?

The flat answer to these questions is an emphatic no. None of these goals have been achieved. On the contrary, one is forced to think whether this was the real aim or a mere charade to achieve some pecuniary political ends?

It has been rare in the last one decade for Prime Minister to kick-start a debate. Given the significance of the event he chose to lead the nation in remembering and celebrating the golden lines of ‘Vande Matram’, it was an opportunity when everyone should have risen to the occasion and passionately remembered the impact which this national song, penned by the revered Mr Bankim Chandra Chattopadhya, had in uniting the people and invigorating the Freedom Struggle.

If the prime mover of the idea was the Union Government, and logically too, the onus lied on the current dispensation to make the debate meaningful and fruitful. More in the interest of the nation than harping on ideological moorings and electoral necessities.........

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