The national song ‘Vande Mataram’ that caught the imagination of all freedom fighters for united Bharat against British occupation seeking ‘swaraj’ a la self-rule has turned 150. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay penned the verses in 1875, and this became the swan song for complete freedom and rejection of foreign rule, goods, and services. This very song can serve as inspiration for a united, developed country of 1.5 billion people, overcoming both internal and external challenges.

And, rightly, the central executive council of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that held a three-day conclave in Jabalpur earlier this week announced a one-year long campaign to celebrate and revive the spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’. It was first voiced at the Congress session in 1896 by none other than Bharat Ratna Rabindranath Tagore.

And, the delegates at the Congress session were swayed by this national song. It also turned into the ‘mantra’ against the British and was sung by icons like Maharshi Arbindo, Madame Bhikaji Cama, renowned poets like Subramanya Bharati, Lala Hardayal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, apart from reformers like Dayananda Saraswati. Mahatma Gandhi had deftly used ‘Vande Maataram’ to greet people even in his letters to fellow compatriots and freedom fighters.

When ‘Vande Mataram’ turned 100, ironically, the Congress-led........

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