Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the year-long commemoration of the National Song, "Vande Mataram", at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and also released a commemorative stamp and coin. During the occasion, he said the word ‘Vande Mataram’ fills our present with self-confidence, gives courage that there is no goal that cannot be achieved.
'Vande Mataram' gives us new inspiration: PM Modi
“We mark 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' today; this will give us new inspiration, fill people of country with new energy,” PM Modi said in his address.
PM Modi said, "Today, November 7, is a historic day. We are having a grand celebration of 150 years of the creation of Vande Mataram... This event will generate new energy among crores of Indians... My greeting to every citizen on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram..."
At the commemoration event, PM Modi said, "The main emotion of 'Vande Mataram' is Bharat, Maa Bharati... Bharat ek rashtra ke roop mein wo kundan ban kar ubhra jo ateet ki har chot sehta raha aur sehkar bhi amaratva ko prapt kar gaya. (India as a nation emerged as a gem that endured every blow of the past and through cooperation also achieved immortality)..."
The event marks the formal launch of the year-long nationwide commemoration -- from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026 -- celebrating 150 years of the timeless composition that inspired India's freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity.
PM Modi launches portal commemorating 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'
"We celebrate 150 glorious years of Vande Mataram, a stirring call that has inspired generations and ignited an undying spirit of patriotism across our nation," the prime minister said in a post on X.
"The celebrations will witness Mass Singing of the full version of 'Vande Mataram' at around 9:50 AM across public places with participation of citizens across all segments of society, in conjunction with the main programme," he said.
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji
This year marks 150 years since "Vande Mataram" was composed. "Vande Mataram" was written by Bankimchandra Chatterji during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7 in 1875.
"Vande Mataram" first appeared in the literary journal, "Bangadarshan", as part of Chatterji's novel, "Anandamath". The song, invoking the motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave a poetic expression to India's awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation, the statement said.
