Why is Vande Mataram being debated in Parliament, 150 years after it was first penned?

Key Highlights

• It was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, it was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore and become an integral part of the nation’s civilisational, political and cultural consciousness.
• Years later, in 1937, the Congress adopted a modified version of Vande Mataram as the country’s national song, and in 1951, it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly at the instance of Rajendra Prasad as the national song, while Jana Gana Mana was designated the national anthem. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADNow, after so many years have passed, on Monday (December 8), Parliament is holding a special session on the song, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge for the government in a special session starting at noon in the Lok Sabha, while Home Minister Amit Shah will take up the matter in Rajya Sabha, the upper house, on Tuesday. More from Explainers Modi presents Bhagavad Gita to Putin: How PM’s gifts reflect deep Indian symbolism PM Modi says India–Russia will cross $100 bn trade target before 2030, invites greater Russian investmentBut why has the song that was penned years ago become a topic of discussion in Parliament?The Vande Mataram debate in ParliamentTo commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, Parliament has earmarked time to have a discussion on the national song in Lok Sabha as well as in Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, has set aside a 10-hour discussion on the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi beginning the discussion at noon.
• From the opposition, Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will participate in the discussion, while other senior leaders will also join.
• Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are also expected to attend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking during the Vande Mataram debate.
• Image Courtesy: SansadTV/XMany leaders from various parties such as the Trinamool Congress will also participate in the discussion.