The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) celebrated the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, with a special commemorative event held in New Delhi today. The celebration was organized in conjunction with the inaugural ceremony graced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who addressed the nation on this historic occasion.
Honouring the Spirit of National Unity and Pride
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, along with Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, MoPR, and senior officials of the Ministry, joined the commemoration ceremony with great patriotic fervour. The participants witnessed the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address and took part in the nationwide mass singing of Vande Mataram—a symbolic gesture of national unity and collective pride.
Tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Legacy
In his address, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel paid heartfelt tribute to Shri Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the revered author of Vande Mataram. He noted that this timeless composition continues to evoke patriotism, devotion, and reverence for the Motherland, inspiring generations of Indians.
He urged the youth of India to take pride in the nation’s ancient civilization, cultural heritage, and traditions, and to actively contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The Minister emphasized that every citizen has a role to play in nation-building by upholding the ideals of unity, discipline, and service.
Nationwide Participation through Panchayati Raj Institutions
Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted that the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram marks a moment of deep national reflection, symbolizing the spirit of unity, self-reliance, and pride in India’s collective journey. He stated that the Ministry has urged Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies across the country to spread the message of Vande Mataram to every village.
This outreach initiative is designed to strengthen national integration and civic participation at the grassroots level, encouraging citizens to celebrate India’s shared heritage and reaffirm their dedication to the nation’s progress.
A Celebration of Cultural and National Identity
The Ministry’s event reflects India’s enduring respect for Vande Mataram—a song that not only ignited the freedom movement but continues to embody the soul of the nation. Through its resonance across generations, it reminds every Indian of the values of courage, unity, and patriotism that define the country’s character.
The commemoration concluded with a renewed pledge by all attendees to uphold the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India) and continue working towards building a strong, inclusive, and self-reliant India in the spirit of Vande Mataram.
