Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his death anniversary via a social media post.
Shah credited Chattopadhyay with awakening Indian self-respect against historical exploitation by Mughal and British rulers.
The tribute highlighted the role of 'Vande Mataram' in unifying India's freedom struggle across linguistic and regional divides.
Chattopadhyay's work 'Anandmath' was noted for inspiring youth towards freedom and protection of the motherland.