Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a year-long commemoration of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, marking 150 years of the iconic composition that inspired India’s freedom struggle.
To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister released a commemorative stamp and coin and also launched a dedicated digital portal to chronicle the song’s legacy.
The inaugural session began with a group performance of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’, sung simultaneously across public spaces in the country, symbolising unity and patriotism. PM Modi also joined the collective singing at the venue.
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Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among the dignitaries present.
'A momentous day for every Indian'
The programme formally kicks off a nationwide celebration from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, dedicated to honouring the song’s 150-year journey from Bankimchandra Chatterjee’s pen to the heart of India’s independence movement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), ‘Vande Mataram’ was written by Bankimchandra Chatterji on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, and was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath.
The song, invoking the Motherland as a divine embodiment of strength and prosperity, became a rallying cry for national pride during the freedom movement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter), "We mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, a song that has inspired generations to rise for the nation."
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Reviving a timeless spirit
On October 1, the Union Cabinet approved country-wide programmes to engage citizens, especially the youth and students with the song’s message of unity and devotion.
The BJP has also drawn up an extensive plan to align this anniversary with another major milestone which is the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, linking the celebrations to India’s broader cultural and spiritual revival.
