New Delhi, 07 November (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh were among several prominent leaders who on Saturday extended their greetings to the nation on the completion of 151 years since the composition of India's National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’.

In a message posted on social media platform X, President Murmu conveyed her heartfelt greetings to citizens, recalling the song's historic role in India's freedom struggle.

“On the completion of 151 years since the composition of our National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all citizens. During the freedom struggle, this song became a symbol of courage, unity and determination for patriots. Even today, it reflects our national identity, self-respect and devotion to the motherland. I hope our citizens will embrace the spirit of ‘Nation First’ embodied in ‘Vande Mataram’ and contribute towards nation-building,” she wrote.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described ‘Vande Mataram’ as an immortal expression of reverence for Bharat Mata and patriotism. He said the song remained a powerful symbol of India's national consciousness, self-respect and unity.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the inspiring composition, dedicated to the motherland, instilled immense love for the country and a deep sense of patriotism in the hearts of every Indian.

The Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister described ‘Vande Mataram’ as the voice of India's soul, saying it inspired people to love, serve and remain devoted to their motherland. He noted that during the freedom struggle, the song awakened the spirit of independence among people and helped unite the nation. He also paid tribute to the brave revolutionaries who sacrificed everything for India's freedom.

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, ‘Vande Mataram’ became an enduring source of patriotic inspiration during India's freedom movement. The song played a particularly significant role during the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, emerging as a rallying cry for freedom fighters and infusing renewed energy into the struggle against British rule.

Every word of the composition reflects reverence, sacrifice, devotion and pride in the motherland. It inspired countless revolutionaries and ordinary citizens to summon the courage to dedicate their lives to the cause of India's independence, securing its place as one of the most enduring symbols of the country's national identity and patriotic spirit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar