The year-long Vande Mataram commemoration began with PM Modi inaugurating events and releasing a stamp and coin. Leaders highlighted the song’s role in national unity, while BJP and Congress exchanged accusations over historical alterations and interpretations

New Delhi: The year-long commemoration of ‘Vande Mataram’ kickstarted on Friday with various leaders emphasising how this ‘maha mantra’ of nation building continues to symbolise the emotional consciousness and unity of the country’s people even as the BJP and the Congress accused each other of belittling the national song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a programme at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here marking the formal launch of the nationwide commemoration. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the o

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