Bhubaneswar: Vande Mataram is more than a song; it embodies patriotism, sacrifice, and courage. A part of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel ‘Anandamath’, it ignited a sense of awakening, enthusiasm, and revolutionary spirit among people during the freedom struggle,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at the inaugural function of the the year-long commemoration of 150 years of the iconic national song ‘Vande Mataram’, at Lok Seva Bhawan here on Friday.
The full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung on the occasion by students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, in sync with the national launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
‘Vande Mataram’ had become a popular marching song during the Indian freedom movement in 1905 and its first two verses were adopted as the National Song of India in October 1937 by the Congress Working Committee prior to the end of colonial rule in August 1947.
The CM further stated that the impact of Vande Mataram on the people of the country was profound, prompting the British rulers to ban it. “The mass singing of the full version of the song, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, will have a far-reaching impact. It will particularly influence young children, students, and youth. In the coming days, it will succeed in giving a new definition to nationalism,” he remarked.
Urging people to join the year-long celebration with pride, Majhi noted that mass recitation of the national song, cultural programmes, and awareness campaigns through schools, colleges, government and private institutions will be conducted in all districts across the state this year. “Let us all take part in this year-long programme, beginning today. We must join every event and work towards spreading the glory of Bharat Mata across the world,” he added.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, along with other senior officials and employees from various departments.