Bankim Da vs Bankim Babu: Why TMC Objected To PM Modis Reference To Vande Mataram Author

Modi was recounting the rise of the Swadeshi movement when he said, “This spirit created by Bankim Da…” Roy immediately interrupted to point out that “Da” was not the appropriate term to use.

Vande Mataram, India’s national song, was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, one of 19th-century Bengal’s most influential literary figures. In Bengali, however, “Da” is used as a friendly, elder-brother term, while “Babu” is considered a formal, honorary title.

Taking Roy’s correction in stride, the Prime Minister paused briefly, then said, “Alright, you want me to say Bankim Babu, Bankim Babu – fine, thank you, thank you, thank you. I respect your sentiments. Bankim Babu… Bankim Babu – thank you, dada, thank you.”