Vande Mataram awakened patriotism, united Indians during freedom struggle: Vice President
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan emphasized the historical significance of the song 'Vande Mataram' in uniting Indians during the freedom struggle. He spoke at a 'Har Ghar Tiranga' event commemorating the song's 150th anniversary.
Why it matters
The speech underscores the role of national symbols in shaping contemporary Indian identity and political discourse regarding the nation's history.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) said the national song Vande Mataram played a crucial role in awakening patriotism among Indians and uniting people across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds during the freedom struggle.
Addressing the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the two words "Vande Mataram" had "lightened the burning patriotism in the minds of every Indian in those days", becoming the prime force that uprooted the British colonial Raj from India.
"Our freedom struggle was an awakening of the Indian mind, the Indian spirit, and the Indian consciousness. It united people across regions, languages, faiths, and social backgrounds through a shared dream of freedom, a shared dream of one India," he said.
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