Page 58 - Mann Ki Baat - English

For most Indians, the introduction of Bankim
Chandra Chattopadhyay (June 26, 1838 – April
8, 1894) is enough to know him as being the
creator of our national song, Vande Mataram.
Such a heartfelt, sensitive, and powerful
tribute to the motherland is unique in Indian
literature. The perfection of this unparalleled
composition lies not only in eulogising the
motherland, but also in expressing the resolve
to free her from sufferings and prove oneself
worthy as her true offspring.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
included Vande Mataram in his celebrated
novel Anandamath (1882), though he had
composed it much earlier. He wrote the song
in the early 1870s, and it remained on his desk
Rupa Gupta until Anandamath took shape. In the novel’s
storyline, it emerges from the voices of freedom
Professor,
The University of fighters, fitting so perfectly that the Swadeshi
Burdwan movement instantly embraced it during
protests against the Partition of Bengal (Bang
'VANDE Bhang Aandolan). The very first words, ‘Vande
Mataram’, with their unmatched resonance,
gave the song its enduring popularity and
MATARAM' historic significance.
In Bankim Chandra’s works, the power
Infallible Mantra of that shaped Vande Mataram flows from his
deep faith in tradition. He links this strength to
Freedom a vision of religion rooted in public welfare. For
him, true religion uplifts society, and its guiding
truth lies in collective well-being.
In Krishnacharitra, he upholds Krishna’s
ideal of moral excellence in conduct rather
than ritual purity. He sees the revival of India’s
cultural spirit as essential for national progress.
Hence, in Vande Mataram, the nation appears
as the revered Mother- worthy of devotion like
the very land that nurtures us. One’s birthplace
is supreme - Janani Janmabhoomischa
Swargadapi Gariyasi which means - Mother
and motherland are superior even to heaven.
The reason Vande Mataram swept through

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