150th anniv of 'Vande Mataram' celebrated

The 150th anniversary of the iconic patriotic composition Vande Mataram was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Atal Sadan in Kullu, as part of the Mandi Parliamentary constituency’s tribute to India’s freedom movement. The event witnessed the participation of former minister and state in-charge Vipin Singh Parmar, constituency in-charge Rakesh Jamwal and several other leaders and dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Parmar described Vande Mataram as a timeless symbol of India’s unity and spirit of sacrifice. “This magnificent composition not only inspired freedom fighters but infused them with renewed energy and purpose, ultimately paving the way for India’s Independence,” he said.

Recalling its origins, Parmar noted that the song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896. “Soon after, it became a sacred chant of devotion to Mother India,” he added.

He emphasised that the words Vande Mataram evoked such intense patriotic emotion that many revolutionaries were ready to lay down their lives for the nation. Parmar hailed the Centre’s decision to mark the 150th anniversary as a heartfelt tribute to India’s freedom fighters.