VSK Bharat
November 11, 2025
The national song Vande Mataram played a significant role in Bharat’s independence movement. The word Vande Mataram is a Sanskrit phrase whose meaning and significance are often rendered as “I praise you, Motherland” or “I bow to thee, Mother”.
During the press briefing of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal Baithak in Jabalpur-2025, Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dattatreya Hosabale Ji, gratefully remembered and paid heartfelt tribute to the revered Bankim Chandra, the immortal composer of the national song Vande Mataram, on the sacred occasion of the 150th anniversary of its composition – the divine mantra that awakens devotion to the Motherland and infuses consciousness into the nation’s collective life.
On this auspicious occasion, the RSS has called upon all Swayamsevaks and every citizen to awaken the inspiration of Vande Mataram in their hearts and actively participate in nation-building based on the spirit of “Swa” (the self). Everyone has been invited to enthusiastically participate in the programs being organized, so that this inspiring journey continues to serve as a beacon of national unity, dedication, and pride for generations to come, as expressed by Dattatreya Ji in his address.
The Birth of the National Song
Composed in 1875, Vande Mataram became the proclamation of Bharat’s awakening. Later, in 1896, at the session of the Congress in Calcutta, Rabindranath Tagore melodiously sang it, filling the entire assembly with an overwhelming spirit of patriotism. From that moment, Vande Mataram was no longer just a song – it became a mantra of worship for Bharat Mata, a national proclamation, a voice of national consciousness, and the resonance of the nation’s soul.
Subsequently, during the Bharatiya freedom struggle, Vande Mataram united soldiers, revolutionaries, and the common people with a single spirit of enthusiasm and sacrifice. From the Bang Bhang to Bharat’s independence, this slogan became the inspiration of every patriot.
Its vast influence can be seen from the fact that great personalities like Maharshi Aurobindo, Madam Bhikaji Cama, Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, Lala Hardayal, and Lala Lajpat Rai used Vande Mataram as the title for their journals and publications. Even Mahatma Gandhi used to conclude his letters for many years with the words Vande Mataram.
The Song of the Nation’s Soul
Vande Mataram is not merely a collection of words – it is the song of the nation’s soul, inspiring every Bharatiya heart. Its divine influence continues to fill society with feelings of dedication, unity, and pride towards the motherland, even after 150 years.
In times when divisions based on region, language, and caste seem to be increasing, Vande Mataram remains the unifying thread that can bind the entire society in a shared spirit of the Bharat. It is naturally accepted across all regions, communities, and languages of Bharat – making it a powerful symbol of national unity, cultural identity, and spiritual oneness.
As we move forward towards the renaissance of national consciousness and nation-building, it is vital to internalize and live the essence of Vande Mataram. Its recitation is not merely an act of speech, but a spiritual discipline of patriotism and a source of cultural values.
Vande Mataram and the Spirit of the RSS
For Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Doctor ji), Adya Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vande Mataram was not just a slogan – it was the core mantra of patriotism, organization, and freedom.
From his early student days in Nagpur, Doctor ji was deeply influenced by the spirit of Bharat’s freedom movement and adopted Vande Mataram as a sacred call. At that time, uttering Vande Mataram was considered a crime under British rule. Yet, under his leadership, students greeted a visiting British inspector with the slogan Vande Mataram. For this act, he was suspended from school, and an order was issued prohibiting him from studying in any government school – a moment that ignited a spark of nationalism that later led to the formation of a great organization.
When Dr. Hedgewar established the RSS in 1925, the spirit of Vande Mataram became an integral part of every activity, prayer, and discipline of the Sangh. He firmly believed: “Our nation is not merely a piece of land; it is our mother. Vande Mataram is the voice of our reverence toward her”.
From its inception to the present day, Vande Mataram has been accorded a place of honor as the national song in every Swayamsevak. Even today, some event and gathering concludes with its reverent recitation by Swayamsevaks. Even during games and training, the Gana-Shikshak (trainer) leads the group in chanting Vande Mataram, symbolizing discipline, unity, and love for the motherland. Through this, the Sangh continues to nurture the spirit of patriotism, service, and discipline among its swayamsevaks.
For Dr. Hedgewar, Vande Mataram symbolized not merely revolution but the spiritual foundation of nation-building. Doctor Ji viewed it not as a political slogan, but as the awakening of the nation’s living soul. Hence, Doctor ji ensured that the organization remained above politics or sectarian lines, dedicated solely to the service of the Motherland.
Doctor Ji used to tell Swayamsevaks that this sacred chant should awaken in every Bharatiya heart the spirit of devotion, discipline, and sacrifice. Doctor Ji believed that as long as the words Vande Mataram echo from the hearts of Bharatiyas, the soul of Bharat will remain alive.
Now, as we celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram, it is time to recall Dr. Hedgewar’s vision – “Our duty is not merely to sing Vande Mataram, but to live it in our lives”.
The chant Vande Mataram continues to play a significant role in creating citizens who are wholly devoted to patriotism. Likewise, may we keep bringing everyone together, contributing to the building of a strong society and a capable nation. May “Vande Mataram” echo from every mouth in one voice – this is our prayer and inspiration. Through this eternal inspiration, may every citizen become a devoted patriot, contributing to the creation of a strong, united, and self-reliant nation. May every heart and every corner of Bharat resound with one voice – Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Binanda Khundrapam
Sah Prant Pracharak, RSS Manipur Prant