Vande Mataram's First Notes: Modi's Independence Day Address Rings Hollow The Red Fort, a symbol of India's colonial past, resonated with the sounds of "Vande Mataram" for the first time this year as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on its 80th Independence Day.
The decision to play the national song at the ceremony was touted as a significant step towards embracing the country's rich cultural heritage.
Modi's address marked his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech since taking office in 2014.