Bhubaneswar: Hailing ‘Vande Mataram’ as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and devotion to the country, Odisha Chief Minister on Tuesday called upon people to draw inspiration from the national song and actively work for nation building.
In his address to the state Assembly to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the Chief Minister said the erstwhile British administration had banned ‘Vande Mataram’ as it became a powerful tool for the freedom struggle.
“Vande Mataram is not just a song, it is a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and bravery. This song, which was part of Bankimchandra’s novel ‘Ananda Math’, awakened the consciousness, enthusiasm and revolutionary spirit in the hearts of the countrymen during the freedom movement,” Majhi said.
“Today’s discussion will not only express the commitment of this hallowed house but can also serve as a source of education for the coming generations,” he said.
Besides being a symbol of India’s freedom struggle, Vande Mataram is also a source of collective resolve, he said, urging everyone to unite and work towards making India a fully developed nation by 2047.
The CM also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ in Lok Sabha, highlighting the song’s role in energising the freedom movement and its continued relevance on Monday. This 150-year journey of Vande Mataram has passed through many milestones, he said.
Drawing inspiration from the courage and unity with which Vande Mataram brought independence, people should now unite and establish India as a fully developed nation by 2047.
On this historic occasion of the 150th completion of Vande Mataram, it is a golden opportunity for all citizens to be inspired by the ideals of ‘Vande Mataram’ and contribute our best in every field of nation-building, and to realize the dream of a developed India, he said.
Stating that Vande Mataram rekindles the fire of patriotism in people’s hearts, Majhi said this year-long celebration is very important to instil patriotism among the youth, children and students.
The CM said that over the next one year, collective singing of the national song, cultural events and awareness programs will be held in all districts, at schools, colleges, and government and private organisations.
“Although it has been given the status of the national anthem since independence, there have been efforts by some vested interests to diminish its importance, especially in post-independence India,” the Chief Minister said.
Therefore, the Prime Minister has decided to celebrate the Vande Mataram as a festival to rekindle these feelings. No matter what language we speak, no matter what religion we belong to, no matter what region we belong to, if there is no feeling of patriotism among us, then the overall progress of the country is impossible.
