Patriotic Fervor Marks Energetic Start to Yearlong Commemoration of 150 Years of Vande Mataram
1.25 crore citizens record renditions; 39,783 events held across 36 States and 653 districts
The yearlong national commemoration of 150 Years of Vande Mataram begun with unprecedented public participation across the country. The initiative has witnessed 1.25 crore Indians recording their renditions of Vande Mataram, while more than 39,783 programmes have been organized across all States, Union territories and 653 districts, showing a nationwide response.
The celebrations were launched at a grand national inaugural event in New Delhi, led by the Prime Minister, in the presence of leading artists, youth representatives and cultural icons. A special commemorative coin and postage stamp were released to mark the beginning of the yearlong tribute.
A highlight of the inaugural programme was the cultural concert “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam,” which brought together distinguished musicians in a powerful rendition symbolizing India’s unity in diversity. The event also witnessed the historic mass singing of the full Vande Mataram, led by the Prime Minister, with simultaneous participation from Chief Ministers, Governors, Lt. Governors, students, officials and citizens across the country.
The commemorative movement has gained momentum at all levels. 11,632 schools and 554 colleges have already conducted related activities, with students and faculty widely participating in the national event broadcast on 7 November. 52 Ministries and Departments of the Government of India have reported their outreach activities centred around mass singing and cultural programmes. Indian Missions abroad have also organised events with enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora and local communities.
Approved by the Cabinet on 1 October, the nationwide commemoration aims to reconnect citizen, particularly youth, with the historic spirit of Vande Mataram. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in the Bengali literary journal Bangadarshan through his seminal novel Anandamath, the song became a defining rallying cry of India’s freedom movement, symbolizing the collective devotion to the motherland.
Citizens can listen to the full rendition of Vande Mataram and upload their own recordings on the campaign website. For more photographs, please refer to this document.
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M Annadurai
pibculture@gmail.com
(Release ID :278780)