PM Modi Leads Nationwide Commemoration to Mark 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the year-long nationwide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The grand ceremony, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, marked the formal launch of celebrations that will run from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, honouring the timeless composition that profoundly shaped India’s freedom movement and continues to serve as an unparalleled source of national pride and unity.

A Powerful Symbol of National Spirit

Addressing the massive gathering, Prime Minister Modi hailed ‘Vande Mataram’ as more than just a song. He described it as a “Mantra, Dream, Resolution, and Energy,” emphasizing that the utterance of the words fills the present with self-confidence and instills the courage that “there is no goal that cannot be achieved.” He noted that commemorating 150 years of this powerful composition will inject new inspiration and energy into the people of the country, reaffirming the song’s relevance in every era.

The song, meaning “Mother, I bow to thee,” was composed by the legendary litterateur Bankim Chandra Chatterji on November 7, 1875, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami. It first appeared in his iconic novel, Anandamath, and quickly became a rallying cry for revolutionaries and freedom fighters. By invoking the Motherland as an embodiment of strength, prosperity, and divinity, the song gave poetic and spiritual expression to India’s burgeoning spirit of self-respect and resistance against colonial rule. In 1950, recognizing its historic role, the first President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, declared that ‘Vande Mataram’ would be accorded equal honour with the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana.’

Commemorative Stamp, Coin, and Mass Recital

To formally launch the commemoration, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Coin dedicated to the National Song.

A highlight of the inaugural event was the Mass Singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram.’ The recital was synchronized with countless citizens participating in similar events across public spaces throughout the nation, creating a nationwide chorus that echoed the ethos of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). The event also featured a cultural concert titled “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam,” showcasing diverse musical traditions, alongside an exhibition tracing the song’s 150-year history.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also issued a message, describing ‘Vande Mataram’ as the “voice of India’s soul,” which continues to “ignite the eternal flame of nationalism in the hearts of the countrymen” and remains a source of unity, patriotism, and renewed energy among the youth.

Year-Long Celebrations Ahead

The year-long commemoration, organized by the Ministry of Culture, has been approved by the Union Cabinet to foster an impactful movement aimed at connecting citizens, especially the youth and students, with the revolutionary spirit of the song. Throughout the coming year, a series of comprehensive initiatives are planned, including:

• Nationwide competitions for students.
• Seminars and cultural programs in coordination with government and private institutions.
• Utilization of digital platforms, including a dedicated campaign website, to facilitate public participation and upload personal renditions of the song.

This extensive celebration aims not only to honour the song’s legacy but also to embed its timeless message of unity, devotion, and patriotism firmly in the hearts of the future generations of India.