Kolkata, October 14 (H.S.): From ancient India’s Gurukul traditions and the freedom movement to a vision of a developed nation beyond 2047, the Vrindavan Garden Durga Puja Committee at VIP Bazar has brought India’s civilisational legacy and future aspirations together under its theme, ‘Vande Mataram – My India, India of the Future’, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song. The puja pandal was inaugurated on Wednesday evening.
Marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Vrindavan Garden Durga Puja Committee has adopted the theme ‘Vande Mataram – My India, India of the Future’, presenting a journey through the country's glorious past, freedom struggle and aspirations for the future.
The inauguration was attended by puja committee president Soma Ranishree Roy, Swami Prahladananda Maharaj, general secretary and advocate Swastika Bhuvaneshwari, M.A.V. Raju and other distinguished guests.
The pandal offers visitors a glimpse of ancient India's Gurukul education system, Vedic knowledge and yoga traditions. It then takes them back to the historical moment when Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Vande Mataram, featured in his novel Anandamath. The song went on to inspire generations of Indians during the freedom struggle.
A major attraction is the committee's vision of a developed India beyond 2047, represented through a unique depiction of ‘Bharat Mata of the Future’. She holds symbols of food, clothing, education and initiation, representing the fundamental forces needed to build the India of tomorrow. A banyan tree, symbolising Indian civilisation, and a serene yet powerful lion form the backdrop.
The central message of the theme is that transforming the nation begins with transforming oneself.
Tarun Bera, representing the puja committee, said visitors would be encouraged to make pledges at a Sankalp Tree installed inside the pandal. These include planting trees, using indigenous products, supporting children's education and promoting social harmony.
Alongside the puja, the committee has planned several social and cultural initiatives. A Swadeshi Mela has been organised to promote handicrafts and indigenous creativity.
Senior citizens who have witnessed 1,000 full moons will be honoured with the ‘Sahasra Chandra Darshan Samman’. Elderly sanitation workers, whose sustained efforts contribute to keeping the country clean, will also be recognised as unsung heroes of the Swachh Bharat mission. Individuals with exceptional talent from various sections of society will receive special recognition as well.
On Mahanavami, the committee will organise a special Dwadasha Kumari Puja, involving 12 girls from different sections of society, with the aim of rising above social discrimination.
Hindusthan Samachar / Santosh Madhup