‘Historic day’: PM Modi inaugurates year-long commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’

The highlight of the event remains the mass singing of the full version of the song, which is likely to witness participation from citizens across public spaces in the nation.

कल 7 नवंबर का दिन देशवासियों के लिए ऐतिहासिक होने जा रहा है। हम वंदेमातरम् गान के गौरवशाली 150 वर्षों का उत्सव मनाने जा रहे हैं। यह वो प्रेरक आह्वान है, जिसने देश की कई पीढ़ियों को राष्ट्रभक्ति की भावना से ओतप्रोत किया है। इस विशेष अवसर पर सुबह करीब 9:30 बजे दिल्ली में एक समारोह…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2025

The event will mark the formal launch of a year-long nationwide commemoration from November 7th 2025 to November 7th 2026, celebrating 150 years of Bankimchandra Chatterjee’s “timeless composition which inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity,” a release by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.

Calling November 7 a “historic day for the countrymen,” PM Modi took to X on Thursday to express his enthusiasm ahead of the programme.

He wrote: “Tomorrow, November 7, will be a historic day for the countrymen. We are going to celebrate the glorious 150 years of the Vande Mataram song. This is that inspiring call which has imbued many generations of the country with the spirit of patriotism. On this special occasion, we will have the privilege of participating in a ceremony in Delhi around 9:30 in the morning. Here, a commemorative postage stamp and coin will also be released. The collective singing of Vande Mataram will be the main attraction of this event!”

According to the PMO’s statement, the song was written during the “auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami” on 7th November in 1875.

“Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation,” it stated.

Leaders call on citizens to participate in Mass singing

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Friday took to X to share his praise for the song as the “voice of India’s soul,” stating that it “continues to ignite the eternal flame of nationalism in the hearts of the countrymen.”

“‘Vande Mataram’ is not merely a collection of words; it is the voice of India’s soul. Against the English regime, ‘Vande Mataram’ united the nation and strengthened the consciousness of freedom. At the same time, it awakened in the revolutionaries an unwavering dedication, pride, and spirit of sacrifice for the motherland,” he stated in his appreciation post.

Shah also added, “‘Vande Mataram’ continues to ignite the eternal flame of nationalism in the hearts of the countrymen and remains a source of unity, patriotism, and renewed energy among the youth even today. Our this unique national song ‘Vande Mataram’ is turning 150 years old this year. Let us, on the occasion of commemorating this great song, collectively sing its full version with our family members, so that this song remains a center of inspiration for future generations.”

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called on Indian citizens to join the collective singing “in one voice, one resolve, and one sentiment.”

माँ भारती की उपासना को समर्पित हमारे राष्ट्रगीत ‘वंदे मातरम्’ के गौरवशाली 150 वर्ष पूर्ण होने के पावन अवसर पर, आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने आज पूर्वाह्न 9:50 बजे सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर ‘वंदे मातरम्’ के पूर्ण संस्करण के सामूहिक गान का आह्वान किया है।

आइए,…

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 6, 2025

Over a post on X, Adityanath wrote: “Let us all join in this nation-inspiring call from the Prime Minister ji and collectively sing the national song in one voice, one resolve, and one sentiment. This is not just a song but the echo of the nation’s soul, which connects us with unity, integrity, and the resolve of ‘One India, Great India.’ Vande Mataram!”