New Delhi, 7 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a year-long, nationwide commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. At a grand event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, the Prime Minister released a commemorative stamp and coin and launched a dedicated web portal to honor the historic composition.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena, was highlighted by a mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram.
PM Modi, describing the day as momentous for every Indian, stated that the song is a stirring call that has inspired generations and ignited an undying spirit of patriotism across our nation. The event kicked off a series of celebrations that will run from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, under the theme A Melody That Became a Movement.
A Song Born of InspirationVande Mataram, which translates to I bow to thee, Mother, was composed by the novelist and journalist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875. The song was later incorporated into his Bengali historical novel Anandamath, published in 1882.
Set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion of the late 18th century, the novel and its hymn personified India as a divine motherland, giving poetic expression to the nation's awakening spirit of unity and self-respect.
Anthem of the Freedom Struggle
The composition quickly transcended its literary origins to become a powerful anthem for India's independence movement. Its political significance surged after it was first sung by the poet Rabindranath Tagore at a session of the Indian National Congress in 1896.
By the early 20th century, it had become the rallying cry for freedom fighters, recited in political meetings and shouted in defiance during protests. The British colonial authorities, recognizing its power to unify, banned its public singing, an act that only amplified its status as a revolutionary symbol of resistance.
Nationwide Celebrations
The central government has outlined a four-phase plan to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary. The launch event in Delhi is being mirrored by similar programs across the country, from state capitals to tehsil levels, with various chief ministers leading the events in their respective states.
The year-long commemoration will feature a host of cultural programs, exhibitions, seminars, and musical renditions designed to connect citizens, especially the youth, with the song's revolutionary spirit and embed its legacy in the national consciousness.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
