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Bengal's Freedom Icons Shine in Republic Day Tableau Featuring Vande Mataram

West Bengal's tableau at the Republic Day parade celebrated the state's pivotal role in India's freedom movement, centered on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition 'Vande Mataram'. It featured prominent figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, and Matangini Hazra, alongside depictions of other key personalities from undivided Bengal. The display included archival elements and a symbolic representation of colonial repression. An official note stated the tableau was a tribute to Bengal's legacy and sacrifice in the journey to Independence.

Key Points: West Bengal's Republic Day Tableau Honors Freedom Movement

  • Showcased Bengal's freedom struggle
  • Featured Vande Mataram's origin
  • Highlighted iconic personalities
  • Included musical performance
2 min read

West Bengal's tableau showcases state's contribution to freedom movement through Vande Mataram

West Bengal's Republic Day tableau showcased Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Vande Mataram and featured icons like Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore.

"The tableau pays tribute to Bengal's enduring legacy, sacrifice and leadership in shaping India's journey to Independence - Official Note"

Kolkata, Jan 26

At the Republic Day parade in the national Capital, West Bengal's tableau rolled down the Kartavya Path showcasing Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and his landmark composition 'Vande Mataram'. The tableau was made in line with the 77th Republic Day Parade's overarching theme celebrating 150 years of the national song. The subject for the state's tableau was 'Bengal in the Freedom Movement of India'.

The vibrant tableau's rear end portrayed noted personalities from West Bengal such as Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and freedom fighter Khudiram Bose facing the gallows.

'Vande Mataram', which was initially composed independently and later included in the novel 'Anandamath', fired the imagination of Indians during the colonial era and emboldened them to fight for the country's liberation.

It was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The side panels of West Bengal's tableau carried an image of an archival page, which says 'Vande Mataram, Anandamath, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee' in Bengali. The middle portion had an equestrian statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, along with a symbolic representation of a group of Indians being beaten by police during the colonial era. Behind it was a sculpture of freedom fighter Matangini Hazra.

The tableau's lower side panels depicted in relief a group of Indian personalities hailing from the undivided Bengal region who have contributed to the freedom struggle.

These personalities include Chittaranjan Das, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Benoy, Badal, Dinesh, Bagha Jatin, Pritilata Waddedar, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rash Behari Bose. The middle portion of the lower panel depicted the facade of the historic Alipore Jail (now a museum) in Kolkata.

"The tableau pays tribute to Bengal's enduring legacy, sacrifice and leadership in shaping India's journey to Independence, featuring a musical performance based on the original score of 'Vande Mataram' first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896," according to an official note shared by the state government.

Last year, West Bengal's tableau showcased the state government's social welfare schemes 'Lakshmir Bhandar' and 'Lok Prasar Prakalpa' as themes, in a bid to highlight the empowerment and self-reliance in Bengal.

The tableau's front featured a Durga idol in Chhau attire, symbolizing 'Naari Shakti' (women power), while a replica of the 'Kalash' of Lakshmir Bhandar stood as a representation of women's empowerment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the tribute is beautiful, I wish they had also highlighted contributions from other regions more prominently. The freedom movement was a pan-India effort. Still, Bengal's role was monumental, no doubt.
A
Arjun K
The inclusion of Matangini Hazra and Pritilata Waddedar is so important. Often our history books focus on the men, but women played an equally fierce role. This tableau did a great job with that representation.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently visited Kolkata, learning about this history makes me appreciate the city even more. The Alipore Jail museum is a powerful place. It's wonderful to see this cultural heritage celebrated on a national stage.
K
Karthik V
Last year it was social schemes, this year it's our glorious history. Good to see the tableau themes changing and educating the new generation. My kids asked me about Bagha Jatin and Kazi Nazrul Islam after watching the parade. Proud moment for sure!
M
Michael C
The artistic depiction sounds incredibly detailed. From the archival Bengali script to the symbolic police brutality scene – it must have been a powerful visual narrative. Republic Day parades always amaze me with their production quality.

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