VP Dhankhar: Reverence for Bharat Mata Unites, Not Divides Tamils
VP Dhankhar asserts Bharat Mata reverence promotes national unity, not anti-Tamil sentiment.
Photo by Dawid Małecki
Key Facts
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar's statement
Bharat Mata
National unity
Anti-Tamil sentiment
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to national unity and integrity (Preamble, Fundamental Duties).
Federalism and Centre-State relations, especially concerning cultural and linguistic diversity.
The role of national symbols in fostering collective identity and potential for conflict.
Historical evolution of Indian nationalism and its symbols.
The office of the Vice President and its role in public discourse.
Visual Insights
VP Dhankhar's Statement: Unifying National Symbols & Regional Identity
This mind map illustrates the core themes and interconnected concepts surrounding Vice President Dhankhar's statement on 'Bharat Mata' and its implications for national unity, regional diversity, and ongoing socio-political debates.
VP Dhankhar's Statement (Dec 2025)
- ●VP Dhankhar's Statement
- ●'Bharat Mata' as National Symbol
- ●Respecting Regional Diversity
- ●Context: Ongoing Debates
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'Bharat Mata' and national symbols in India: 1. The concept of 'Bharat Mata' gained significant prominence during the Swadeshi movement, drawing inspiration from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'. 2. The Constitution of India explicitly defines 'Bharat Mata' as a national symbol and mandates its reverence through a specific article. 3. Article 51A of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Duties, includes a duty to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The concept of 'Bharat Mata' was popularized by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his novel 'Anandamath' (1882) and became a powerful symbol during the Swadeshi movement (1905-1908). Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indian Constitution does not explicitly define 'Bharat Mata' as a national symbol or mandate its reverence through a specific article. While 'Vande Mataram' (from Anandamath) is the national song, 'Bharat Mata' itself is a cultural and nationalist icon, not a constitutionally defined national symbol like the National Flag or National Anthem. Statement 3 is correct. Article 51A(b) states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India 'to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom'. This implicitly covers respect for symbols and ideals associated with the freedom struggle.
2. In the context of fostering a collective national identity while respecting regional diversity in India, which of the following constitutional provisions primarily aims to promote 'fraternity' and 'unity and integrity of the Nation'? A) Article 19(1)(a) guaranteeing freedom of speech and expression. B) The Preamble of the Constitution, particularly its declarations on 'Fraternity' and 'Unity and Integrity of the Nation'. C) Article 370 providing special status to Jammu and Kashmir (prior to its abrogation). D) The Seventh Schedule, delineating legislative powers between the Union and States.
- A.Article 19(1)(a) guaranteeing freedom of speech and expression.
- B.The Preamble of the Constitution, particularly its declarations on 'Fraternity' and 'Unity and Integrity of the Nation'.
- C.Article 370 providing special status to Jammu and Kashmir (prior to its abrogation).
- D.The Seventh Schedule, delineating legislative powers between the Union and States.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Preamble of the Constitution explicitly states the resolve to secure to all its citizens 'Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation'. This sets the foundational ethos for fostering a collective national identity while acknowledging diversity. Option A (Freedom of speech) is a fundamental right that allows for diverse expressions but doesn't primarily aim at fostering collective fraternity or unity in the same foundational sense as the Preamble. Option C (Article 370) was a specific provision for a particular state, aimed at integrating it while respecting its unique historical context, but not a general provision for fostering collective national identity across all diverse regions. Option D (Seventh Schedule) defines the federal distribution of powers, which is crucial for respecting regional autonomy, but its primary aim is not to promote 'fraternity' or 'unity and integrity' directly, though it supports the federal structure that accommodates diversity.
3. Assertion (A): The Indian federal system is often described as 'quasi-federal' due to its strong unitary features, particularly during emergencies or when national unity is perceived to be at stake. Reason (R): Debates surrounding national symbols and their interpretation, as highlighted by the Vice President's statement, demonstrate the ongoing challenge of reconciling diverse regional identities with a collective national identity, sometimes leading to calls for greater central intervention to foster cohesion. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A.Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true but R is false.
- D.A is false but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Assertion (A) is true. India's federal system has a strong central bias, with features like a single constitution, integrated judiciary, all-India services, and emergency provisions, leading scholars to term it 'quasi-federal' or 'federal with a strong unitary bias'. Reason (R) is also true. The news article itself highlights the VP's statement as an attempt to 'bridge perceived divides and reinforce a sense of shared belonging', which is a centralizing effort to foster cohesion amidst regional interpretations of national symbols. Such debates indeed underscore the challenge of balancing regional and national identities. Furthermore, R is a correct explanation of A. The 'quasi-federal' nature (A) allows for central intervention or strong statements from central figures (like the VP) to address issues of national unity (R) when regional identities appear to challenge a collective national identity. The central government and its representatives often play a role in defining and reinforcing national identity, which is a manifestation of the unitary bias.