New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday released a special commemorative version of “Vande Mataram” to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic national song that has inspired India’s freedom struggle and continues to ignite patriotic pride.
The tribute celebrates the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote Vande Mataram in 1875. Over the decades, the song became a symbol of unity, strength, and the nation’s cultural identity.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said:
“Vande Mataram is not just a song — it is the heartbeat of India. It embodies the spirit of our freedom fighters and continues to inspire every citizen to serve the nation.”
The newly released version features a rich orchestral arrangement blending traditional Indian musical elements with modern symphonic notes, performed by noted classical and contemporary artists. The video showcases visuals of India’s cultural heritage, landscapes, festivals, and achievements in science, space, sports, and national development.
Significance of the 150th Anniversary
- Vande Mataram was first included in Bankim Chandra’s novel Anandamath.
- It became the rallying call during the Swadeshi Movement (1905).
- The first two stanzas were formally accepted as the National Song of India.
- Freedom fighters like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Subramania Bharati, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose frequently used the chant to mobilize people.
The launch has been widely appreciated on social media, where citizens, artists, students, and cultural groups have shared the song in tribute.
Educational institutions across India are expected to include the rendition in cultural and patriotic programs.
The 150-year celebration of Vande Mataram is not just a remembrance of history—it is a reaffirmation of the nation’s unity, cultural richness, and collective pride, reminding every Indian of the shared journey toward progress and self-reliance.
