In New Delhi on Nov. 7, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) marked the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.” He applauded the song’s power to inspire hope, determination and unity across the country.
The MEA event gathered senior officials, including Secretary (East) P Kumaran, Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra, Economic‑Relations Secretary Sudhakar Dalela, and spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Together, they celebrated the milestone and highlighted the song’s enduring influence.
On X, Jaishankar wrote, “MEA joins India in celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram.’ The song embodies our nation’s resolve and inspires our shared dream and destiny. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the anthem puts Bharat at its core and keeps shining for us.”
A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi launched a year‑long celebration of the 150‑year anniversary at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. He recalled how, during colonial rule, “Vande Mataram” became the voice of India’s awakening. Modi reminded the crowd that the anthem’s first lines—“Sujalam sufalam, malayaja shitalam, shasyashyamalam, Mataram”—honour a land rich in beauty and prosperity.
Modi also traced the song’s origins. In 1875, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee published “Vande Mataram” in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. Though first seen as a song, it soon turned into a rallying cry for freedom, echoing the spirit of revolution and the emotions of millions of Indians.
“The song remains relevant today and is immortal,” Modi added. “Even when our nation faced pain and despair, Bankim Babu saw a prosperous India and believed that, no matter how dark the times, we could revive our golden age.”
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement confirming that 2025 marks 150 years since the song was first written during Akshaya Navami on Nov. 7, 1875. “Vande Mataram” continues to be a powerful symbol of devotion to the motherland, reminding all Indians of their strength, unity and self‑respect.
Source: ianslive
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