Vande Mataram awakened patriotism, united Indians during freedom struggle: Vice President

On August 12, 2026, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Har Ghar Tiranga bike rally in New Delhi, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. The Vice President highlighted the crucial role the song played in awakening patriotism and uniting Indians during the freedom struggle. Radhakrishnan stated that the two words "Vande Mataram" had ignited burning patriotism in the minds of every Indian, becoming the primary force that dismantled British colonial rule in India.

The Vice President emphasized that India's freedom struggle was an awakening of the Indian mind, spirit, and consciousness, bringing people together from diverse backgrounds through a shared dream of freedom and one India. Radhakrishnan recalled the special discussion in Parliament, which lasted over 12 hours and was one of the most engaging and meaningful deliberations of the session.

He also shared his recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, and the Cellular Jail, where many freedom fighters were executed while singing Vande Mataram. The Vice President highlighted that Vande Mataram transformed love for one's motherland into a national duty and spread like wildfire from Bengal to every corner of India.

Radhakrishnan expressed that India was marching confidently towards the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Har Ghar Tiranga bike rally, in its fifth edition, was presented as a people's movement, with citizens participating in Tiranga yatras, bike and cycle rallies, cultural programs, and concerts.

Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Virendra Kumar, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, and G Kishan Reddy attended the rally.