Patna, July 30: After Parliament passed the Vande Mataram Bill in both Houses on Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary welcomed the move and said it is not merely a national song but an enduring symbol of India’s freedom movement and national consciousness. The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has written a new chapter in safeguarding India’s national identity by extending legal protection to Vande Mataram on par with the National Anthem. “This decision will strengthen respect for our national symbols and further reinforce the spirit of patriotism among future generations,” Chief Minister Choudhary said. The Bill, introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, amends the 1971 Act by extending the existing penal provisions applicable to the National Anthem and the National Song. Under the amended law, Vande Mataram will receive the same legal protection as the National Anthem in the country.