150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’

The Maharashtra government will commemorate the “”150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’”” with a grand “”Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav”” beginning on Friday at the “”Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard”” in Mumbai. Chief Minister “”Devendra Fadnavis”” will inaugurate the celebrations, marking a historic milestone in honour of the song that inspired India’s freedom movement.

Commemorating a Song That Shaped a Nation

Originally written in “”1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay””, ‘Vande Mataram’ became the spiritual anthem of India’s independence struggle. Its verses, exalting the motherland, stirred generations to unite against colonial rule. As the song turns 150, Maharashtra’s year-long celebration aims to rekindle that patriotic fervour and remind citizens of its enduring emotional power.

Grand Launch and Statewide Participation

The inaugural ceremony will feature hundreds of participants performing a “”group rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’”” at the state secretariat. The initiative, conceptualised by “”Mangalprabhat Lodha””, Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, seeks to pay tribute to freedom fighters and reinforce the spirit of national unity. The government has issued a circular encouraging “”educational institutions, government offices, and civic bodies”” to organise collective singing events across Maharashtra.

Patriotism Through Public Engagement

Complementing the musical tributes, schools and colleges will host “”essay and debate competitions, exhibitions, and cultural performances”” centred on the song’s legacy. The “”Department of Cultural Affairs””, led by “”Ashish Shelar””, will coordinate these activities at both state and district levels. The campaign will also engage young citizens through “”social media drives and creative outreach””, amplifying the message of patriotism in the digital era.

Exam Oriented Facts

• ‘Vande Mataram’ was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.
• Maharashtra is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the event at Mantralaya, Mumbai.
• The initiative is led by Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha and supported by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.

Echoing a Timeless Legacy

Under the broader national vision guided by “”Prime Minister Narendra Modi””, similar commemorations will take place across India. In Maharashtra, the year-long tribute aims to revive the “”unity and devotion embodied in ‘Vande Mataram’””, ensuring that the song’s powerful call—”“Mother, I bow to thee””—continues to resonate across generations.