Parliament marked the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram on Monday with a special discussion in the Lok Sabha, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The session briefly turned light-hearted after Modi referred to composer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim Da,” drawing an objection from Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, who said the honorific was insufficient for the cultural icon. PM Modi promptly acknowledged the concern, switching to “Bankim Babu” and thanking Roy for the correction, even adding a humorous remark that drew laughter in the House. Highlighting the legacy of Vande Mataram, Modi said the song was not merely political but a sacred war cry that energised India’s freedom struggle and inspired sacrifice against colonial rule.