India marked a proud moment on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, a hymn that continues to inspire generations since its creation in 1875. The celebration took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, where PM Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp to honor the milestone.
Calling Vande Mataram “a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a resolve,” the Prime Minister described it as a heartfelt prayer to Maa Bharati, the embodiment of the motherland. He emphasized that while the melody remains unchanged, the song’s meaning and power have only grown stronger over time. “When we hear these sacred words, they connect us to our history, fill our present with confidence, and give us the courage to reach every goal,” he said.
The event also marked the launch of a year-long national celebration that will include cultural performances, educational programs, and tributes by state governments and institutions. The initiative aims to highlight Vande Mataram’s enduring role in shaping India’s identity.
Originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on Akshaya Navami in 1875, Vande Mataram first appeared in his novel Anandamath and was later published in the literary journal Bangadarshan. Its words soon became a rallying cry for India’s freedom struggle. The song was famously performed by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta and became a defining symbol during the Swadeshi and anti-partition movements in the early 1900s.
PM Modi highlighted how the chant “Vande Mataram” echoed through India’s freedom movement, uniting citizens with unwavering spirit. “It was the morning song of our awakening, a symbol of resistance against colonial rule, and remains a living source of national pride,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the newly released stamp and coin depict a figure inspired by the statue of the motherland from Anandamath, along with Modi’s handwritten words: “A mantra, an energy, a dream, a resolve.” Concluding his address, Modi stated that today’s India stands as a reflection of strength, progress, and self-belief, carrying forward the spirit of Vande Mataram into a new era of national pride.
