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On 7 November 2025 the Prime Minister launched a year‑long programme to mark 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed the patriotic song “Vande Mataram”. The celebration includes commemorative coins and stamps and aims to revisit the song’s role in India’s freedom movement. The date also coincided with Akshaya Navami, considered the day on which the poem was written in 1875.
Background
“Vande Mataram” means “I bow to thee, Mother”. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote it in Sanskritised Bengali around 1875, and the poem later appeared in his novel Anand Math published in 1882. Rabindranath Tagore first sang it publicly at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta. During the early 20th century, the song became a battle cry in the Swadeshi movement against British rule. On 24 January 1950 the Constituent Assembly adopted the first two stanzas of “Vande Mataram” as India’s national song, conferring it equal honour with the national anthem.
Key highlights of the 150‑year celebration
- Commemorative issue: The government released special coins and postal stamps featuring lines from “Vande Mataram” and images of India’s freedom struggle.
- Cultural programmes: Schools, universities and cultural institutions across India are organising musical performances, debates and essays to explore the song’s meaning and historical context.
- Public outreach: The year‑long campaign encourages citizens to learn the correct pronunciation of the lyrics and understand the values of unity and patriotism embodied in the song.
Significance
- Symbol of freedom: “Vande Mataram” inspired countless freedom fighters, including Matangini Hazra and Subhas Chandra Bose, and was often sung during marches and protests.
- Blending of cultures: By using Sanskrit vocabulary in a Bengali poem, Bankim Chandra highlighted India’s linguistic diversity and cultural unity.
- Continuing relevance: Even today the song evokes national pride and reminds citizens of the collective sacrifices that led to India’s independence.
Source
News On Air – PM to inaugurate 150th year celebrations of Vande Mataram