New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the year-long nationwide commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s national song that once served as a rallying cry for freedom fighters. The event, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, featured the release of a commemorative coin and postage stamp to honour the historic occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the enduring spirit of Vande Mataram continues to inspire generations. “The words ‘Vande Mataram’ fill our hearts with self-belief and the courage to achieve any goal,” he remarked, adding that the song remains “as relevant and powerful today as it was during the freedom struggle.”
Modi described Vande Mataram as “the voice of India’s independence movement” that reflected the collective emotions and aspirations of an entire nation. He emphasized that the 150th anniversary is not just a commemoration of history but a renewed call to unity and national pride. “This celebration will ignite new energy and inspiration in every Indian,” he said.
The year-long tribute will run from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, featuring cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs across the country to reflect on the song’s legacy.
Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on Akshaya Navami in 1875, Vande Mataram first appeared in his literary journal Bangadarshan as part of the novel Anandamath. The song later became a symbol of resistance and patriotism during the Indian freedom movement, inspiring countless revolutionaries and national leaders.
The government’s initiative aims to revisit the message of unity, courage, and devotion to the motherland that Vande Mataram embodies—values that continue to shape India’s identity even 150 years after its creation.
