Source TOI
New Delhi, December 8, 2025 — A seemingly small linguistic slip in Parliament turned into a surprising moment of cultural debate — and humour — today, when the use of “Da” (a Bengali term akin to “elder brother”) in reference to the revered poet and nationalist icon Bankim Chandra Chatterjee triggered a gentle rebuke from the Opposition, and a gracious response from Narendra Modi.
The episode unfolded during a special session of the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram — penned by Bankim Chandra. While delivering his remarks on the enduring legacy of the song in India’s freedom struggle, the Prime Minister referred to the composer as “Bankim Da.” The use of “Da,” commonly used for elders or respected peers in Bengali, drew an immediate objection from senior MP Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). “You are saying Bankim Da? You should say Bankim Babu,” Roy said.
In response, the Prime Minister paused and acknowledged Roy’s concern. “I will say Bankim Babu. Thank you, I respect your sentiments,” he said. Then, with a touch of humour apparent to many in the House, he added, “I can call you dada, right? Or you have an objection to that as well?” The brief exchange — caught amidst sober discussion on national heritage — drew a mixture of smiles and attention from members.
Beyond the momentary spotlight on nomenclature, the occasion remained focused on the powerful role of “Vande Mataram” during India’s freedom movement. The Prime Minister reminded the House how the song transcended regional lines to inspire a united struggle against colonial rule — even as the British attempted to suppress it.
Cultural pundits and political observers suggest that the brief exchange underlines ongoing sensitivities around historical and regional identities. For many Bengalis, the suffix “Babu” carries a certain traditional respect when discussing icons like Bankim Chandra. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment and light-hearted tone helped defuse any potential tension — making the episode a symbolic footnote in a larger debate on memory, respect, and nationhood.
