Unifying India: ‘Vande Mataram’

by “Avarachan Thomas” (pseudonym). August 15th is the Republic of India’s Independence Day. To celebrate the occasion, India’s national song and national anthem are performed throughout the country.  In particular, the story behind the national song, “Vande Mataram,” reveals India’s approach towards multiculturalism and national unity. “Vande Mataram” literally means, “I bow to thee, Mother.”  The poem from which the song is derived consists of six stanzas, some of which