150 years of Vande Mataram: The song that shaped India’s heart and spirit

India celebrates 150 years of its national song Vande Mataram today, a song that has long inspired patriotism, unity, and devotion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. On the occasion, he released a commemorative stamp and coin and launched a digital portal (vandemataram150.in) where citizens can upload videos of themselves singing the song and earn certificates.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi described Vande Mataram as a “mantra, an energy, a dream, and a resolution,” underlining its timeless relevance. He said, “The song takes one back to history, fills the present with self-confidence, and instills renewed courage for the future. It reminds us that any resolve can be fulfilled and no goal is unachievable.” He added that it is “an inspiring call that ignites patriotic fervour across generations,” motivating citizens to dedicate themselves to the nation’s welfare and progress.

Recalling its historical significance, Modi said: “In our nation’s freedom struggle, Vande Mataram stood as a war-cry from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Written by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, it filled the country with the spirit of the movement and gave mental strength to freedom fighters. The mere word Vande Mataram instilled fear in the British. When Indians chanted it, which had become like a mantra on their lips, they were thrown into jails. Even today, if we sing or hear Vande Mataram, a surge of patriotism fills us. Our bodies tingle with emotion. That is the power Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee gave to our nation. It is our responsibility to pass on the inspiration of Vande Mataram to future generations.”

The Prime Minister also recalled that the song, composed on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, was later included in Chatterjee’s Bengali novel Anandamath (1882). Set in Raag Desh a raga traditionally associated with devotion and patriotism the song was adopted as India’s national song by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attended the event. Shekhawat emphasised that the song captured the spirit of rebellion among freedom fighters and continues to instill patriotism, representing the collective strength of nearly 140 crore Indians.

In Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan hailed the song’s role in uniting Indians and called on citizens to sing it at 10 a.m. He said, “The spirit of struggle infused by Vande Mataram must be conveyed to future generations. It is our collective responsibility to pass on the inspiration of Vande Mataram.” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also said, “Vande Mataram turns 150 today. It’s not just a song but a slogan that has echoed through spaces filled with patriotism, from freedom rallies to school assemblies, inspiring generations with pride and devotion.it’s a hymn of unity and courage that remains a timeless salute to our motherland. Its melody continues to echo with pride, reminding every Indian of the bond that connects us together. Vande Mataram!”

Telangana Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy paid tributes to the leaders of the national movement and urged citizens to be reinvigorated for the country’s development with the inspiration of the national song and the spirit of unity. State governments across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana organised mass-singing programmes in schools, colleges, offices, and public forums to commemorate the occasion.

On November 8, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare marked the anniversary with a mass singing ceremony led by V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary & Director General of NACO, along with senior officials. The Ministry tweeted: “A moment filled with pride and patriotism! Today, the Ministry echoed with national spirit as Ms. V. Hekali Zhimomi led the mass singing of Vande Mataram along with senior officials.”

The nationwide celebrations featured mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram across public spaces, with citizens from all walks of life participating. PM Modi emphasised that the song evokes devotion, courage, and unity, connecting citizens to India’s cultural roots while inspiring younger generations to uphold the country’s ideals. Invoking the Motherland as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and divinity, Vande Mataram remains a timeless emblem of India’s unity, national pride, and collective aspiration.