On 7 November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the year‑long commemoration of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event, held in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, also featured the release of a commemorative stamp and coin, and the launch of a dedicated digital portal for citizens to participate and upload their renditions of the song. This milestone is significant for understanding India’s cultural identity, national‑song heritage, and government social‑mobilisation efforts — all relevant for current affairs and competitive exam preparation.
Historical Background of “Vande Mataram”
- The song “Vande Mataram” was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji around 7 November 1875, on the occasion of Akshaya Navami.
- It first appeared in his novel Anandamath through the Bengali journal Bangadarshan, thereby becoming a symbol of the awakening of India’s national conscience.
- The song assumes spiritual, cultural and political significance—as a call for freedom, unity and devotion to the motherland.
- In 1950, the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad, declared that “Vande Mataram”, which played a historic role in the freedom movement, should be accorded equal honour with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The Inauguration Ceremony & Key Highlights
Ceremony Features
The inauguration included,
- Release of the commemorative stamp and coin marking the 150‑year milestone.
- Launch of the portal vandemataram150.in, where citizens can upload recordings of the song and earn a certificate of participation.
- A national‑scale “mass singing” of the full version of “Vande Mataram” at 10:00 AM across public places, schools, colleges, government offices and other institutions.
- A cultural programme including an exhibition on the song’s history, a special concert titled “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam” featuring about 75 musicians, and screening of a short documentary on the song’s legacy.
- Participation of key dignitaries including Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, the Union Culture & Tourism Minister, and the Delhi Chief Minister.
Prime Minister’s Address
- PM Modi described “Vande Mataram” as “a mantra, an energy, a dream and a resolution”, stating that it represents devotion to Mother India, bridges past struggles with present confidence, and instils courage for future goals.
- He emphasised that the song serves to connect all 140 crore Indians in a shared national spirit.
- The programme officially marks the commemoration period from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.