The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make any insult to or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
The proposed amendment aims to provide legal protection to the National Song, similar to the respect accorded to the National Anthem and the National Flag.
About Vande Mataram
Composer and Origin
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.
- Language: A mix of Sanskrit and Bengali
- Literary Source: Included in the novel Anandamath (1882)
The novel was based on the backdrop of:
- Sanyasi Rebellion
- Bengal Famine of 1770
Historical Importance of Vande Mataram
Role in Freedom Struggle
The song became a symbol of nationalism during the Indian freedom movement.
During the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, Vande Mataram inspired people to oppose British rule and promote indigenous products.
Revolutionary leaders such as Sri Aurobindo regarded it as a spiritual and patriotic call for self-rule.
First Public Rendition
The song was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta.
Global Recognition
In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first Indian tricolour on foreign soil at Stuttgart, Germany, with the words โVande Mataramโ inscribed on the flag.
Constitutional and Legal Status of Vande Mataram
Recognition as National Song
On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, announced that Vande Mataram would receive equal respect along with the National Anthem โ Jana Gana Mana.
Thus:
- Jana Gana Mana became the National Anthem
- Vande Mataram came to be recognised as the National Song
Constitutional Position
Unlike the National Anthem, the term โNational Songโ is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution of India.
However, it enjoys immense historical and cultural importance.
Practice Questions
- Who composed the song Vande Mataram?
- a) Rabindranath Tagore
- b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- c) Sri Aurobindo
- d) Bipin Chandra Pal
- Vande Mataram was included in which famous novel?
- a) Gitanjali
- b) Anandamath
- c) Durgeshnandini
- d) Kapalkundala
- Which Act is proposed to be amended to punish insults to Vande Mataram?
- a) National Security Act
- b) Representation of the People Act
- c) Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- d) Citizenship Act
- Who first sang Vande Mataram at the Indian National Congress session in 1896?
- a) Mahatma Gandhi
- b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- c) Rabindranath Tagore
- d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Which Article of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties?
- a) Article 19
- b) Article 32
- c) Article 51A
- d) Article 356
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