Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the year-long commemoration marking 150 years of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, cultural groups, and citizens, featured the release of a special commemorative coin and postage stamp honoring Bankimchandra Chatterjee’s timeless creation that continues to inspire generations of Indians.
“Vande Mataram Inspires Confidence and Courage,” Says PM Modi
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said, “The word ‘Vande Mataram’ fills our present with self-confidence and gives us courage that there is no goal that cannot be achieved.” He emphasized that the song’s message of patriotism and unity remains relevant across generations.
“This 150-year celebration of Vande Mataram will ignite new inspiration and energy among people across the nation,” he added, urging citizens to join in the collective singing that echoed nationwide as part of the event’s highlight.
Nationwide Mass Singing Marks the Launch
The celebrations kicked off with the mass rendition of the complete version of Vande Mataram, performed simultaneously across public spaces in India. The event officially launched a year-long nationwide commemoration from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, honoring the 150th anniversary of Bankimchandra Chatterjee’s masterpiece a song that once served as a rallying cry during India’s freedom movement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the song was written on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, and first appeared in the literary magazine Bangadarshan as part of Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath. The PMO described it as “a poetic expression of India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect,” which became “an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation.”
PM Modi Calls November 7 “A Historic Day”
Ahead of the event, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Tomorrow, November 7, will be a historic day for the countrymen. We are going to celebrate the glorious 150 years of Vande Mataram.
This inspiring call has filled generations with the spirit of patriotism. On this special occasion, we will also release a commemorative postage stamp and coin. The collective singing of Vande Mataram will be the main attraction!”
Leaders Across India Join the Celebration
Across the country, leaders and citizens participated in the Vande Mataram@150 festivities. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the celebrations at Lok Bhawan, urging citizens to join “in one voice, one resolve, and one sentiment.” He described Vande Mataram as “the echo of the nation’s soul, connecting us with unity, integrity, and the resolve of ‘One India, Great India.’”
