New Delhi, January 9, 2026
Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday delivered a strong and ideologically charged address in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, underlining its historical, cultural, and national significance. The address was delivered during a special discussion held in the Assembly under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Speaking to the House, the Education Minister said that the song which colonial rule tried to suppress at its 50th anniversary and authoritarian forces attempted to crush at its 100th year, is today standing with dignity and resolve at its 150th year, with the Delhi Government firmly committed to upholding its spirit and values. He described the moment as historically significant, stating that the Delhi Government is fully aligned with the national consciousness represented by Vande Mataram.
Ashish Sood emphasized that Vande Mataram is not limited to any one region of the country. He said it is not merely a song of North India or Bengal, but a unifying national expression. He recalled how Subramania Bharati embraced it in Tamil Nadu, how Veer Savarkar sang it in Maharashtra, and how revolutionaries in Punjab lived by its spirit. According to him, Vande Mataram stands as the most powerful and living embodiment of the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Responding to questions raised by some members on the need for discussion on this subject, the Minister said the discussion was necessary because individuals who were elected with the mandate of this very Assembly and later reached Parliament have had the audacity to refer to Vande Mataram as a “gimmick.” He said such remarks make it imperative for democratic institutions to reaffirm their commitment to national values.
Quoting verses from Vande Mataram, Ashish Sood explained the deep symbolism of the song, describing it as a tribute to the land that is rich in water, abundant in fruits, cooled by gentle winds, and adorned with green fields. He said this very song inspired thousands of freedom fighters to sacrifice their lives in the struggle against colonial powers.
The Education Minister also launched a sharp attack on what he described as divisive ideologies operating within the country. He alleged that certain individuals and groups promoting ideological extremism and religious radicalism have openly supported figures such as Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. He said these were not merely names but symbols of a dangerous mindset aimed at dividing the nation. He further alleged that people who have shared platforms with such elements are also present in public life, including within legislative spaces. According to him, the resolution and discussion in the Assembly reflect a clear rejection and condemnation of such divisive ideologies.
Referring to the vision of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who composed Vande Mataram 150 years ago, Ashish Sood said the image of Bharat Mata envisioned then continues to remain the foundation of India’s national consciousness today. He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government has worked to re-establish this consciousness in schools through the Rashtraniti Curriculum. He said the objective is to instill the resolve and ideals of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh in the minds of the younger generation.
Drawing historical parallels, the Minister recalled that when Vande Mataram was written in 1875, the country was suffering from a devastating famine, while the British organized the Imperial Durbar in Delhi to proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India. He said that then, as now, there were courtiers who aligned themselves with power. He remarked that while the symbols have changed, the mindset remains the same. He pointed out that in 1925, the British banned the chanting of Vande Mataram at its 50th anniversary, and a year later, Swami Shraddhanand was brutally murdered in Delhi for his association with nationalist movements. In 1975, when the song completed 100 years, democracy itself was throttled during the Emergency, and the Constitution drafted by B R Ambedkar was effectively suspended.
Ashish Sood questioned whether those who claim political ownership of Ambedkar’s legacy agree with his clear opinion that opposing Vande Mataram was unjustified. He said history shows that while dates and calendars change, the character and conduct of certain forces do not.
Concluding his address, the Education Minister said the discussion on Vande Mataram is essential to bind Delhi’s emerging generation with the values of service, organization, and culture, to move them away from caste-based divisions and connect them with nationalism. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for allowing this historic discussion in the Assembly, stating that it not only inspires the youth but also exposes the politics of appeasement and division.
