Kishan Reddy: Vande Mataram inspired generations of freedom fighters against British and Razakars

Hyderabad

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said that the Vande Mataram song, which inspired generations of freedom fighters, was equally significant during the fight against the Nizam’s autocracy and the Razakars in Hyderabad.

“Leaders like Narayan Rao Pawar, Ramachander, and Ramanand Teertha, fought bravely against the Nizam’s oppression, and Vande Mataram continues to symbolise India’s national spirit, unity, and self-respect,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at the “Vande Mataram @150” anniversary celebrations held at Hanuman Vyayamashala marking 150 years since the composition of the patriotic song by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

The event was organised as part of a nationwide year-long celebration announced by the Central Government. Mr. Reddy said the song was not confined to any one religion but inspired people across all sections of society. It was the very slogan that united India in the struggle for freedom.

The Minister criticised Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, saying, “Mr. Owaisi refuses to say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ despite being an Indian, but says ‘Jai Palestine’ in Parliament. It is unfortunate that he cannot utter the name Bharat Mata.”

Meanwhile, BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao said, “It is not merely a song but the lifeblood of Indian civilization. The same fervour that inspired our freedom struggle should live on in every Indian, every day.”

He said that, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded, in the days of the independence movement people greeted each other with Vande Mataram as a symbol of unity. “That spirit must continue to inspire every generation.”