‘Vande Mataram’ Ignited the Nation’s Spirit of Freedom: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav declared that Vande Mataram is not just the national song, but the song of our soul, the voice that instilled pride into the veins of subjugated India and awakened the spark for freedom throughout the land. Composed in 1875 by freedom fighter Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, this immortal song was first featured in the novel ‘Anand Math’ and heralded a revolutionary era. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram is being marked with special events. Residents from every district are participating in these commemorations, expressing patriotism and gratitude for the motherland.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the state-level ceremony for the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram at Shaurya Smarak. The event began with the Chief Minister ceremonially lighting the lamp.

120-Year-Old Rare Vande Mataram Recording Broadcast

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav unveiled a newly reprinted booklet, ‘Vande Mataram: A Literary-Historical Study of a Revolutionary Song’. The police band performed the patriotic song ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’. The Chief Minister joined the national event through a virtual link from Bhopal and listened to the PM’s address with the audience in Shaurya Smarak.  PM Shri Modi presided over the event from New Delhi. During the event, a rare 120-year-old recording of Vande Mataram was played. On this occasion, 150 artists from the Harmony Group performed Vande Mataram in its original form as well as in Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian languages. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav administered a pledge to those present to adopt indigenous goods.

Bankim Chandra Depicted India as a Divine Trinity in the National Song

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav explained that every country’s struggle for freedom has its own unique history, and many national anthems arose from periods of adversity, whether in France or America. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee infused Vande Mataram with the grandeur of Indian culture, inspiring a deep sense of pride in Mother India and awakening the spirit of self-expression among her people. The song venerates ‘Bharat Mata’ by likening her to three divine forms. The ‘Lakshmi’, symbolizes prosperity; Saraswati, representing intellectual and spiritual enlightenment; and Durga, embodying the power to vanquish oppression and injustice. Thus, Bankim Chandra depicted India as a divine trinity within Vande Mataram, with centuries-old consciousness embedded in a song written in the 19th century.

Remembrance of Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Sacrifice

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav recalled that when Rabindranath Tagore first sang the song in 1896, Vande Mataram became the nation’s rallying call. He paid tribute to martyrs such as Bhagat Singh and revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad, highlighting their struggles and supreme sacrifices. He stated that, as India adopted its national anthem after independence, attempts were made to create confusion. There is a need for an in-depth study of the historical journey of ‘Vande Mataram’. India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emphasised that both the National Anthem and the National Song hold equal significance and must be accorded due respect.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram will be observed across the State from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, through events organised in four phases.

The state-level ceremony held at Shaurya Smarak was attended by Minister for Sports, Youth Welfare and Cooperation Shri Vishvas Sarang; Minister for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Member of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma, MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma & Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Chief Minister’s Cultural Advisor Shri Shriram Tiwari, Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana, along with other public representatives, senior officials, and a large gathering of youth and students. Bhopal Police Commissioner Shri Harinarayanchari Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.