“Bande Mataram-An Untold Story” was proposed initially as a  world-wide web series (a short teaser of this earlier avataar is featured below). However, the format has now been changed from web series to a full length film to be directed by Vivek Agnihotri, a respected figure in the Indian Film Industry, known to voice his ideas and insight fearlessly via cinema and other forms of media. The driving force behind this project is Vivek Sinha, founder of Sri Aurobindo Yoga Foundation of North America (SAYFNA) based in the United States of America; and SAYFNA India Foundation, Ahmedabad, India. 

The film will exemplify the factual reality of events, workings, of people, organisations and leaders of that time who paved the way for India’s independence during the 1900’s. In an effort to recognize and appreciate the people who played a critical role in the journey, but who never made it to the common narrative of the freedom struggle, it will bring to light the untold stories championed through “Bande Mataram” – a daily English newspaper, written and edited by Sri Aurobindo, capturing the heartbeat of the Indian freedom movement. The newspaper depicted the struggle, agony, victory, resilience, strength and conflict of Indians during that era. The ideas espoused in “Bande Mataram” inspired and led the Boycott, Swadeshi and Passive Resistance movements that were instrumental in liberating India from foreign rule. The factual reports published in “Bande Mataram”, “Karma Yogi”, and other early writings of Sri Aurobindo forms the basis of this story.

The AuroJeeva Trust was very enthusiastic about this project given its scope and dire need to bring a more holistic and broader view of what the freedom struggle entailed and is proud to have played a small role in its development. But for a film of this scale, there is always need for more collaborators and support – get in touch with Sayna for more information on how you can help.