Centuries may pass, yet its sweetness never fades. Generations may change, yet its spirit never dies. It is the melody that envisions the nation as a mother—the heartbeat of every citizen of Bharat.Not merely a song, but a blazing flame of Bharat’s freedom struggle. That is Vande Mataram!
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838–1894) – Author of “Vande Mataram”
“Vande Mataram” is formed from two Sanskrit words — Vande (I bow) and Mataram (to the mother). Together, they mean “O Mother, I bow to thee.” Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who envisioned Bharat as a divine mother, the phrase carries a deeper meaning — “Salutations to thee, Mother Bharat.” Composed in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath (1882), the song emerged at a time when Bharat was shackled by British rule. It ignited the spirit of freedom, awakened patriotism, and inspired people to revere their motherland as their own divine mother.
Rabindranath Tagore tuned and sang Vande Mataram
The great poet Rabindranath Tagore recognized the song’s profound depth. He personally tuned it and sang it at a session of the Bharatiya National Congress in Calcutta. After Bankim Chandra’s passing, the nation came to realize its true significance. During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, people raised the slogan “Vande Mataram” as a powerful weapon of protest. Under Tagore’s leadership, citizens tied rakhi threads as symbols of Hindu–Muslim unity and chanted “Vande Mataram” in unison.
Patriotic Leaders Hail Vande Mataram as the National Song
Visionary leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh hailed it as the national song of Bharat. The mere utterance of “Vande Mataram” sent shivers down the spines of the British rulers. This powerful slogan became a unifying force that ignited the flame of independence in the hearts of millions of Bharatiyulu.
Vande Mataram — The Anthem of Courage and Freedom
Waving the national flag while chanting “Vande Mataram” became a timeless emblem of courage and resistance. The song intertwined the reverence for the motherland with the honor of the tricolor. When Bharat finally attained independence in 1947, Vande Mataram stood tall as the anthem of the nation’s self-respect, sacrifice, and glory before the world.
On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of Bharat resolved that the song ‘Vande Mataram’, which played a historic and inspiring role in Bharat’s freedom movement, shall hold the same respect as the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. It was officially recognized as the national song of Bharat.
Celebrating 150 Glorious Years of “Vande Mataram”
Even after 150 glorious years, whenever ‘Vande Mataram’ is sung or heard, it still fills every vein with patriotic fervor. Its melody, grace, and spirit remain as fresh and inspiring as ever, continuing to ignite the flame of nationalism in every heart of Bharat. ‘Vande Mataram’ is not merely a song — it is an immortal source of inspiration, passing the torch of patriotism from generation to generation. Today’s youth must understand its true meaning and embody the ideals of service and responsibility toward the nation.”
The Complete Song – Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram
Sujalam suphalam
Malayaja sheetalam
Sasyashyamalam Mataram, Vande Mataram
Shubhra-jyotsna pulakita yaminim
Phulla kusumita drumadala shobhinim
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim
Sukhadam varadam Mataram, Vande Mataram
Koti koti kantha kalakala ninada karale
Koti koti bhujai dhruta khara karavale
Abalake no mam eto bale
Bahubala dharini namami tarini
Ripudala varini Mataram, Vande Mataram
Tumi vidya, tumi dharma
Tumi hridi, tumi marma
Twam hi pranah sharire
Bahute tumi ma shakti
Hridaye tumi ma bhakti
Tomarayi pratima gadi mandire mandire, Vande Mataram
Twam hi Durga dashapraharanadharini
Kamala kamaladala viharini
Vani vidyadayini, namami tvam
Namami kamalam, amalam, atulam
Sujalam, suphalam, Mataram, Vande Mataram
Shyamalam, saralam, susmitam, bhushitam
Dharanim, bharanim, Mataram, Vande Mataram
The complete song Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, first appeared in his Bengali novel Anandamath. This song reflects the themes of patriotism, natural beauty, and the divine feminine. However, only the first two stanzas were officially recognized and became popular. Let us now understand the meanings of these two verses.
Vande Mataram
Sujalam suphalam
Malayaja sheetalam
Sasyashyamalam Mataram, Vande Mataram
Meaning:
O Motherland, adorned with the sweetness of flowing waters (sujalam), the abundance of fruits (suphalam), the coolness of gentle breezes (malayaja sheetalam), and the lush green beauty of fertile fields (sasyashyamalam) — Bharata Mata, I bow to thee!
Shubhra-jyotsna pulakita yaminim
Phulla kusumita drumadala shobhinim
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim
Sukhadam varadam Mataram, Vande Mataram
Meaning:
O radiant Mother, whose nights glow with the pure light of the moon, whose trees are adorned with blossoming flowers and shining leaves; whose face beams with joyous smiles, whose speech is sweet and gentle, who bestows happiness and blessings — Bharata Mata, I bow to thee!
Vande Mataram — The Soul of Bharata Mata
In conclusion, Vande Mataram is not merely a song; it is the very soul of Mother Bharat. Each verse speaks of love, every word echoes sacrifice, and every note fills the heart with patriotism. The youth of today must regard it not just as a song sung in school assemblies, but as a sacred chant that kindles the eternal flame of devotion to the motherland.
Beyond caste, religion, region, language, accent, or culture — whether educated or uneducated — every citizen of Bharat must sing Vande Mataram and let the spirit of patriotism resonate in every heartbeat.
One nation, one heartbeat, one voice, one slogan — Vande Mataram!
