Let Us Resolve Through ‘Vande Mataram’ to Build a Bharat That Guides the World – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Collective Singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ Held at Mantralaya

Mumbai, Nov 2025 : “During the freedom struggle, people set aside all divisions of caste, creed, religion, and language and united under the call of ‘Vande Mataram.’ It was the password of the freedom movement, and many revolutionary slogans emerged from this very song. To build a Bharat that guides the world, patriotism and unity are essential. Let us take a resolve through the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the collective singing ceremony.

A special programme of collective singing of Vande Mataram was organized at Mantralaya by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with the Cultural Affairs Department, marking 150 years of the iconic song. Chief Minister Fadnavis was present for the occasion. Cultural Affairs and IT Minister Ashish Shelar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Padma Shri Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar, along with senior bureaucrats and staff members of Mantralaya, were also present.

Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar, along with all distinguished guests, led the collective singing, expressing a resolve to strengthen national unity. CM Fadnavis said, “Vande Mataram is not just a song; it is an emotion that binds and unites the nation. When it was first proclaimed at Kolkata’s Town Hall, over 30,000 people responded with a collective chant of Vande Mataram. Later, during the anti-partition movement of Bengal, it became the song of inspiration and struggle. From that day onward, it echoed across the country as Indians fought against the British. It was sung during morning marches, events, and protests—even during attacks.”

“Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at a Congress session. Later, the entire Indian society—forgetting caste, religion, and creed—embraced it as a common slogan. Since then, it has grown into a national song,” Fadnavis added.

He recalled that freedom fighters chanted ‘Vande Mataram’ even while walking to the gallows. Leaders who advocated non-violence also used it as a motivational slogan. “It became the very password of freedom. Even while designing India’s national flag, the words Vande Mataram were inscribed. Mahatma Gandhi ended every letter with Vande Mataram. After the Constitution was adopted, both Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram were given equal honour as national songs,” he noted.

“Even after 150 years, Vande Mataram continues to guide India. It describes our motherland with reverence. During the freedom struggle, everyone—across caste, creed, religion, and language—sang it together. It does not belong to any one religion; it inspires all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide initiative for the collective singing of Vande Mataram. In Maharashtra too, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha put forth this idea, enabling collective singing programmes in every region and school. The aim is to instill the spirit of the song in every youth, student, and citizen—reviving the same emotion that existed during the 1905 anti-partition movement and at the time of Independence,” Fadnavis said.

He added that Prime Minister Modi envisions a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), with the spirit of “development along with heritage.” He urged everyone to work towards building a Bharat that guides the world—like ancient Nalanda and Takshashila universities—and one that spreads the teachings of Lord Buddha globally.

“A Battle Song That Inspired Revolutionaries” – Minister Ashish Shelar

Minister Ashish Shelar said, “Vande Mataram is being sung across the country. It inspires and energizes. It is a song of freedom and spiritual motivation, and it served as a battle song for revolutionaries. People of all religions, castes, and creeds come together to sing it, fostering a spirit of unity. It is a song the world envies.”

A street play on Vande Mataram was performed by Poorva Nirmithi Vishva. Youth from diverse linguistic and religious backgrounds, dressed in traditional attire and holding placards reading “Vande Mataram,” drew everyone’s attention.

After the event, a nationwide collective singing of Vande Mataram and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address were streamed live from Delhi.