Guwahati, 25 September (HS): The 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was commemorated in Guwahati on Friday with a special programme, ‘Namami Bharatam’, organised by Shishu Shiksha Samiti, Assam, affiliated with Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan.

The programme was held at the Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium, where ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung collectively along with people across the country.

Former Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi attended the programme as the chief guest. Retired Air Vice Marshal Sanjeev Bordoloi, Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra Organising Secretary Dr Pawan Tiwari, Secretary Dr Jagadindra Ray Choudhury, Shishu Shiksha Samiti, Assam president Kulendra Kumar Bhagawati, ‘Namami Bharatam’ coordinator Gourab Kalita and Assam Gaurav awardee Meenakshi Das were among those present.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Pawan Tiwari said ‘Vande Mataram’ was not merely a song but represented India’s national consciousness, cultural unity and pride. Referring to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Northeast India, he said the collective rendition from the land of Maa Kamakhya, inspired by the legacy of Srimanta Sankardev and the valour of Lachit Barphukan, reflected the spirit of national unity.

Gen Dwivedi said he attended the programme not as a former Army Chief but as a former student of Saraswati Shishu Mandir. He described the Northeast as a gateway to India and said the region had an important role in the country’s strength, leadership and unity.

Calling upon young people to actively participate in nation-building, Gen Dwivedi described ‘Vande Mataram’ as a call to the nation, with India as its identity and the goal of building a developed India by 2047.

He urged the youth to cultivate three qualities — Attitude, Adaptability and Ability — which he described as a positive mindset, the capacity to adjust to changing circumstances and competence. He also called upon them to move beyond being “problem finders” and become “problem fixers” through positive thinking, responsibility, courage and determination.

The former Army Chief advised youngsters to follow the principle of “Learn, Unlearn and Relearn” while preserving Indian cultural values and traditions and embracing modern technology.

Remembering the heroes of the Northeast, Gen Dwivedi highlighted the contributions of Lachit Barphukan and Kanaklata Barua. He also underlined the role of the Indian Army, NCC and Vidya Bharati in transforming India’s diversity into strength and urged alumni and civil society members to create opportunities and guide the younger generation.

He further encouraged youngsters to develop a daily “zero-ten” habit by spending 10 minutes every morning away from mobile phones to reflect on their goals, gratitude and resolve for the day. Addressing students, he asked them to consider what they could learn each day to make themselves and the country better.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Arup Buzarbarua, principal of Sankardev Shishu Niketan, Birubari, followed by the national anthem.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash