In Brief
“Vande Mataram” completes 150 years....
Group singing across the country
Song sung in the presence of Chief Minister Fadnavis in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi present for group singing
The song “Vande Mataram,” which embodies the national sentiment of the Indian people, has completed 150 years today. On this historic occasion, a sense of pride, respect, and enthusiasm was observed across the country. From schools to government offices, from streets to fields, the echoes of “Vande Mataram” resonated everywhere.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the main ceremony in New Delhi. At this special event held at Vigyan Bhavan, thousands of students and artists came together to perform the national anthem collectively. On this occasion, Modi said, “Vande Mataram is not just a song; it is a reflection of the soul of India. This composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay energized countless patriots during the freedom struggle. Today, as we mark 150 years of this song's journey, we are rekindling the same inspiration anew.”
In Mumbai too, the enthusiasm for patriotism reached its peak on this occasion. At the ceremony held in the premises of the Secretariat and near the Gateway of India, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended and participated in group singing with the students. He stated, “Vande Mataram is the identity of our culture. This song is the highest tribute to the motherland. It is from this sentiment that the strength of New India is formed.”
In many cities like Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, Lucknow, Nagpur, Bengaluru, schools, colleges, and voluntary organizations organized group singing, cultural programs, and morning processions. On social media, the hashtag #VandeMataram150 is trending, with citizens sharing posts filled with messages of patriotism.
In 1875, Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay composed 'Vande Mataram' in the novel 'Anandamath'. This song later became the slogan of the freedom struggle. In 1896, it was sung publicly for the first time at the session of the Indian National Congress. After independence, it was given the status of the national song. Today, even after a century and a half, the same vigor, the same pride, and the unwavering love for the motherland can be seen resonating in the heart of every Indian.