Rarely has a poem given rise to such a diverse array of descriptions or been the subject of controversy over such a long period of time. Glorified by many as the last word in patriotic ardor, criticized as vememently by others for its religious rhetoric, translated into all major indian languages, set to music by icons as disparate as Rabindranath Tagore, Vande Mataram2 continues to hold an indelible place in the national psyche as is evident in its reported nomination as one of the most opular songs in India, even 130 after it was written.