Vande Mataram is a poem from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1882 novel Anandamath. The poem played a vital role in the Indian independence movement and was sung in a political context by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. Spiritual Indian nationalist and philosopher Sri Aurobindo referred to it as the "National Anthem of Bengal." The song's first two verses were given the official status of the "national song" of the Republic of India in 1950, distinct from the national anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana.

The poem, written in Bengali and Sanskrit, translates to "I bow to thee, Mother." It has since become a symbol of national pride and unity for the people of India. Vande Mataram continues to inspire and evoke strong emotions among Indians, making it an essential part of the country's cultural heritage.