PM Modi Inaugurates 150-Year Vande Mataram Tribute with Nationwide Celebrations
Vande Mataram, India’s revered national song, marks its 150th anniversary today, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a year-long commemoration in New Delhi. The celebrations began with a grand event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where PM Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin, and led a mass singing of the full version of the song.
A Stirring Call That United a Nation
Written by Bankimchandra Chatterji on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, Vande Mataram was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. The song invokes the Motherland as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and divinity, and became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle.
PM Modi described the occasion as “momentous for every Indian,” calling Vande Mataram a “stirring call that has inspired generations and ignited an undying spirit of patriotism” NDTV Profit.
Celebrations Across 150 Iconic Sites
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced mass recitations of Vande Mataram at 150 sites of national significance, including:
- Kargil War Memorial
- Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Swaraj Ashram, Odisha
- Shaheed Smarak Park, Agra
- Namo Ghat, Varanasi
In West Bengal, over 1,100 locations will host similar events. From schools and colleges to public parks and cultural centers, citizens from all walks of life are participating in this patriotic tribute.
Historical Legacy and Political Journey
The song’s journey has not been without controversy. In 1923, during the Indian National Congress session in Kakinada, then Congress president Maulana Mohammad Ali objected to its recital on religious grounds. Later, in 1937, the Congress Working Committee adopted only the first two stanzas as the national song.
Despite political debates, Vande Mataram remained a powerful mantra for revolutionaries. Many freedom fighters reportedly chanted it while facing the gallows, enduring colonial oppression with its words on their lips Free Press Journal.
Vocal for Local: A Pledge for Made-in-India
As part of the celebrations, BJP has also launched a pledge campaign to promote Made-in-India products, aligning the patriotic spirit of Vande Mataram with economic self-reliance. The campaign runs until Constitution Day on November 26, reinforcing the message of national pride and unity.
Cultural Resonance and Mass Participation
The Ministry of Culture has encouraged mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram across public spaces. Schools, universities, and community groups are joining in, making it one of the largest coordinated musical tributes in recent history.
The song was famously recited by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896, and its melody continues to evoke emotion and pride. Today’s rendition, led by PM Modi, is expected to be broadcast and shared widely across digital platforms.
Final Thoughts
The 150-year celebration of Vande Mataram is more than a tribute—it’s a national reaffirmation of unity, pride, and cultural heritage. As India sings in one voice, the echoes of Vande Mataram remind us of the sacrifices made and the spirit that continues to guide the nation.
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