Vande Mataram voice and spirit of India: Kataria

On the 150 years of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said, “Vande Mataram is not merely a song but the voice and spirit of India, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who envisioned Bharat as a divine mother symbolising strength and devotion.”

The Department of Cultural Affairs, UT, organised a grand programme to commemorate the 150 years of the ‘Vande Mataram’ at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38, here today.

The event began with a melodious rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by students of GMSSS-16, followed by vibrant cultural performances, including dances, plays and a mime act by city school students, celebrating India’s journey from struggle to progress.

Around 200 students from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, currently visiting Chandigarh under the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also participated, adding to the spirit of unity and cultural diversity.

The event also featured a live telecast of the address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.