Amit Shah Launches ‘Swadeshi Pledge’ in Patna to Mark 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’

November 7, 2025

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday urged citizens to take a pledge for Swadeshi — to prefer Indian goods over foreign products, support rural artisans and farmers, and promote domestic tourism.

He made the appeal while launching the Swadeshi Pledge programme at the BJP’s state headquarters in Patna, commemorating 150 years of the composition of India’s national song Vande Mataram.

Administering the pledge to party workers and supporters, Shah said the initiative was aimed at integrating Swadeshi principles into everyday life. Participants vowed to prioritise Indian products, promote local industries, and encourage the younger generation to embrace Swadeshi values.

Call for Promotion of Indian Languages and Sustainable Living

Amit Shah also stressed the importance of greater use of Indian languages in daily life and urged people to adopt environmentally friendly, sustainable products.

The BJP said its nationwide initiative on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram seeks to spread the song’s historical, emotional, and patriotic significance to every citizen.

Legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’ Revisited

Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and featured in his novel Anandamath. It was later set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore and first performed at the 1896 Indian National Congress session.

The song became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle, inspiring leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, and Subhas Chandra Bose. In 1950, India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, accorded it the status of the national song.

Election Campaigning Intensifies in Bihar

Meanwhile, the political temperature in Bihar continues to rise. After voting for Phase 1 on 121 seats concluded on Thursday, campaigning for the second phase — across 18 districts — is now in full swing ahead of polling on November 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two rallies in Aurangabad and Bhabhua on Friday, as part of the BJP’s ongoing campaign push in the state.