PM Modi to inaugurate year-long commemoration of 150 years of “Vande Mataram” today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long commemoration of 150 years of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” today, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture, marks the beginning of a nationwide celebration that will continue until November 7, 2026, honouring the timeless composition that stirred the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and continues to inspire national pride.

The inaugural ceremony will open with a mass singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” at 10:00 a.m., synchronised across the country. Citizens, students, teachers, officials, doctors, drivers, shopkeepers, and people from all walks of life will join in, symbolising the unity and collective devotion that the song represents. States, Union Territories, and government offices have been directed to hold simultaneous singing sessions, with live telecasts of the Prime Minister’s address being arranged nationwide.

A song that shaped the nation

Composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875, “Vande Mataram” meaning “I bow to thee, Mother” is believed to have been written on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami. It first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of Chatterji’s novel Anandamath, and later as a standalone publication in 1882. Set in the backdrop of colonial India, the song personified the motherland as a divine embodiment of strength, prosperity, and resilience, becoming an emotional and spiritual anthem for the awakening national consciousness.

During the freedom movement, “Vande Mataram” became a rallying cry for unity and resistance, sung at protests and political gatherings by leaders and revolutionaries alike. Figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak drew inspiration from its verses. On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, declared that “Vande Mataram,” having played a historic role in the independence struggle, would be accorded equal honour with the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.”

Grand celebrations planned

The inaugural event will feature a curated cultural programme, a historical exhibition, and a concert titled “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam”, led by violin maestro Dr. Manjunath Mysore and featuring 75 musicians from across India. The programme will also include the screening of a short documentary, the release of a commemorative stamp and coin, and addresses by dignitaries and invited guests, culminating in the Prime Minister’s keynote speech.

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, approved the nationwide celebrations on October 1, 2025, recognising the song’s deep cultural and historical significance. The National Implementation Committee further endorsed the year-long commemoration on October 24, 2025.

A dedicated campaign website, https://vandemataram150.in/ , has also been launched by the Ministry of Culture to encourage public participation. The portal features approved branding materials, audio tracks with lyrics for mass singing, a short film and digital exhibition, and a “Karaoke with Vande Mataram” feature allowing citizens to record and upload their own renditions.

Inspiring future generations

Beyond marking a historic milestone, the commemoration aims to educate and inspire future generations about the ideals of India’s freedom struggle. Through mass participation and cultural engagement, it seeks to revive historical awareness and foster emotional connection with the values of unity, courage, and devotion that defined the independence movement.

Experts believe that celebrating such cultural symbols plays a vital role in strengthening India’s national identity. It not only honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also encourages patriotism, inclusiveness, and civic responsibility among the youth. The year-long observance is expected to make India’s history more accessible, using creative formats such as exhibitions, digital archives, and musical performances to engage a new generation.

By revisiting “Vande Mataram,” the nation reaffirms its commitment to unity in diversity a message as relevant today as it was during the freedom movement. The Ministry of Culture has urged all citizens to participate actively in this collective expression of gratitude to the Motherland, celebrating a song that continues to embody India’s enduring spirit of pride, reverence, and shared identity.