Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Vande Mataram as a national "mantra" that fuelled India's freedom struggle, saying the 150th anniversary of the song was a moment to restore pride in a legacy that united generations of Indians. Opening the debate in the Lok Sabha, he said the milestone offered the country an opportunity to reflect on the values that shaped its path to independence. Advertisement

"Vande Mataram is a mantra, a slogan which gave energy, inspiration, and showed the path for sacrifice and penance to the freedom movement. Vande Mataram energised our freedom movement. It is a matter of pride that we are becoming witnesses to 150 years of Vande Mataram. It is a historic moment," Modi told the House.

Vande Mataram is the force that drives us to achieve the dreams

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