India Launches Year-Long Celebrations for 150th Anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’
On November 7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a year-long commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, “Vande Mataram,” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The event commenced with a mass singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram,” uniting citizens across the nation in a collective tribute to the song that has been a symbol of India’s unity and freedom.
Commemorative Releases and Digital Initiatives
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative postage stamp and coin to honor the milestone. Additionally, he launched a dedicated digital portal, VandeMataram150, designed to chronicle the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s composition and showcase activities planned throughout the year-long observance.
Nationwide Participation and State-Level Events
The celebrations witnessed mass singing of “Vande Mataram” across public places, with participation from citizens across all segments of society. In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led statewide celebrations, with government employees and officials participating in the collective singing of the national song. Similarly, in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the main event at the civil secretariat, with district-level events attended by ministers and members of parliament.
Historical Significance of ‘Vande Mataram’
Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami, “Vande Mataram” first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. The song invokes the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity, and divinity, and it became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation during India’s freedom movement.
Year-Long Commemoration Plans
The Union Cabinet approved a comprehensive, country-wide campaign titled ‘Vande Mataram@150’ to ensure that the commemoration reaches every household and educational institution. The initiative is designed to connect citizens, especially youth and students, with the song’s original revolutionary spirit through creative, participatory, and digital engagement. Throughout the year, the campaign will include mass singing events, cultural performances, exhibitions, academic symposia, music festivals, and digital storytelling initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the spirit of reverence for Maa Bharati will guide the nation toward the goal of a developed India, expressing confidence that the mantra of “Vande Mataram” will continue to empower and inspire the countless children of Maa Bharati throughout this journey.
