Nationwide Celebrations Announced to Mark 150 Years of Vande Mataram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon all citizens to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' with nationwide events on November 7th. The Prime Minister emphasized the song's profound significance in India's independence movement and its enduring ability to evoke feelings of patriotism and unity.
In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Modi described 'Vande Mataram' as a depiction of India's vibrant and magnificent image. He urged citizens to make the 150th year of the song memorable by carrying forward its values for future generations. He also encouraged citizens to share suggestions for celebrating the 150th year of India's national song using #VandeMatram150.
The Union Cabinet had previously decided to commemorate the 150th anniversary with year-long celebrations across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the song's crucial role during the freedom struggle as the reason for the extensive celebrations. The celebrations will include countrywide events, educational programs, and public commemorations across states and Union Territories. The aim is to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and pay tribute to 'Vande Mataram,' a song that continues to evoke pride and remind citizens of India's collective struggle for freedom.
'Vande Mataram,' composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875, first appeared in his novel 'Anand Math' in 1882. The song quickly became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, symbolizing devotion to the motherland and inspiring countless Indians during the national movement. Rabindranath Tagore first sang it publicly in 1896, bringing it into the national spotlight. On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, declared 'Vande Mataram' as the National Song of India, granting it equal status with the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
While the Constitution mandates respect for the National Anthem, it does not explicitly mention the National Song. Nevertheless, 'Vande Mataram' remains deeply revered as a symbol of India's unity, sacrifice, and spirit of independence. Due to religious imagery in later verses, only the early stanzas are generally used in public recitals.
PM Modi stated that 'Vande Mataram' inspires boundless emotion and pride in every Indian. He shared on social media that the song evokes deep emotion and pride and highlighted its enduring significance in uniting the nation and inspiring devotion and commitment toward the country. He described 'Vande Mataram' as an "emotion beyond words" and a "timeless anthem" that continues to awaken patriotism and unity among Indians.
