New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Friday said it was a moment of great pride and joy that the historic song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, was completing 150 years. He noted that as per tradition, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram are sung at the beginning of every Assembly session, but this year presented a unique and historic opportunity.
Gupta said Vande Mataram is not just a song but the soul of India's freedom struggle, which inspired millions of patriots and symbolised deep love for the motherland. He recalled that the song played a major role in awakening national consciousness and was widely sung during protests against the partition of Bengal. He said countless freedom fight...