The British divided Bengal in 1905, but Vande Mataram stood like a rock, says PM Modi | Top 7 Quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday initiated a debate in Lok Sabha to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The prime minister spoke about how the song inspired the freedom movement and why it still matters today. Here are his top seven quotes.

1. The British divided Bengal in 1905, but 'Vande Mataram' stood like a rock and inspired unity.

2. Vande Mataram was not just a mantra for political independence. It was not limited to our independence; it was way beyond that. The freedom movement was a war to free our motherland from the clutches of slavery... During our Vedas, it was said, This land is my mother, and I am the son of the soil.

3. This song should inspire and energise us to fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters. We need to reiterate the resolve to make our nation self-reliant and developed by 2047.

4. When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, India was under British rule. When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, India was in the clutches of Emergency... At that time, the patriots were imprisoned. 

5. When the song that inspired our freedom movement, unfortunately, India was witnessing a black period.... 150 years of Vande Mataram is an opportunity to reinstate that pride and that great part of our past... This song inspired us to attain freedom in 1947..." 

6. Vande Mataram is a mantra, a slogan which gave energy, inspiration, and showed the path for sacrifice and penance to the freedom movement. It is a matter of pride that we are becoming witnesses to 150 years of Vande Mataram. It is a historic moment. It is a period when many historical events are being celebrated as milestones.

7. 'Vande Mataram' was written at a time when British rulers were trying to take their anthem, 'God Save the Queen', to every household. We are sitting here because lakhs chanted 'Vande Mataram' and fought for independence.