Short Description:
Celebrating 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” India’s Republic Day parade showcased rich cultural heritage, intertwining politics and nationalism in a grand display of artistry and patriotism.
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2 minutes 30 seconds
Main Article:
The Republic Day parade in New Delhi recently commemorated the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” the national song that resonates deeply with India’s cultural and historical identity. This year’s event notably featured soft flute notes that opened the ceremony, while a spectacular performance by 2,500 artists marked the song’s conclusion. The governmental body behind this celebration, the NDA, strategically positioned itself as the legitimate custodian of India’s cultural legacy, aiming to consolidate its political standing amidst growing criticism from opposition parties.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) made a significant choice in its parade tableau, showcasing its ties to the song through statues of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and other renowned Bengali figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore. This decision underscores the ongoing political tug-of-war as the state gears up for impending assembly elections, where the BJP has intensified its narrative against TMC, accusing them of straying from established cultural values for electoral gains. TMC, on the other hand, has labeled the BJP as an outsider party, out of touch with the state’s cultural fabric.
The theme of “150 years of Vande Mataram” permeated the entirety of this year’s Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with notable guests, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, explaining the parade’s intricacies. Various tableaux, particularly from BJP-led states like Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, paid homage to the national song, emphasizing its role in the BJP and Sangh Parivar’s cultural agenda. The Ministry of Culture’s tableau featured evocative lines from the song, invoking the spirit of India’s freedom fighters, while artwork representing “Bharat Mata” echoed throughout the venue. Prints of a 1923 painting collection further enriched the event, bringing to life the intertwining of patriotism and Indian culture associated with “Vande Mataram.”
As such, the Republic Day parade not only serves as a display of military prowess and cultural celebration but also highlights the ongoing political dialogues surrounding India’s identity, heritage, and future direction.
Short Summary:
The recent Republic Day parade highlighted the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” intertwining cultural pride and political narratives. With artistic displays honoring national figures and ongoing political tensions, the event reflected India’s rich heritage and its evolving identity.
