Modi: Vande Mataram, 150 years, embodies Lord Ram's motherland message

• PM Modi initiated a Lok Sabha debate on Vande Mataram, marking its 150th anniversary.
• Modi described Vande Mataram as a "modern avatar of India's great cultural legacy," linking it to Lord Ram's sentiment about one's homeland.
• He criticized the Emergency, which occurred when Vande Mataram completed 100 years, calling it a "dark chapter."
• Modi emphasized Vande Mataram's role in inspiring unity and courage during the freedom struggle against British oppression.

Why It Matters: This highlights Vande Mataram's enduring role in India's identity and freedom.