New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that ‘Vande Mataram’ continues to kindle the everlasting flame of nationalism in the hearts of Indians, serving as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and renewed vigor among the youth even today.
In a message shared on X to mark the year-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of India’s national song — to be observed from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026 — Shah said the song is far more than a set of words; it is the “voice of India’s soul.”
“During the British rule, ‘Vande Mataram’ united the nation, strengthened the consciousness of freedom, and inspired revolutionaries with unwavering devotion, pride, and a spirit of sacrifice for the motherland,” Shah noted.
He said the national song continues to fuel patriotic fervor and serve as a wellspring of unity and inspiration for generations, especially the youth.
“Our national song turns 150 this year,” Shah said, urging citizens to collectively sing its full version with their families to ensure it remains a lasting source of inspiration for the generations to come.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long celebrations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Friday. He will also release a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the occasion.
The event will officially launch the nationwide commemoration of the composition that inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and solidarity.
Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, ‘Vande Mataram’ was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. It was later included in Chatterjee’s iconic novel Anandamath (1882) and set to music by Rabindranath Tagore.
According to a government statement, the song has since become an integral part of India’s civilizational, political, and cultural consciousness.
