150 Years Of ‘Vande Mataram’: Maharashtra To Mark Milestone With Grand Celebrations At Mantralaya

The iconic national song ‘Vande Mataram’ completes 150 glorious years this year, and Maharashtra is set to mark the milestone with patriotic fervour. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the Sardh

Shatabdi Mahotsav at the Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard on Friday morning, where hundreds of participants will join in a grand group rendition of the song.

The initiative, conceptualised by Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, aims to celebrate the spirit of nationalism and pay tribute to freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country.

Originally written in 1875 by poet and philosopher Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, ‘Vande Mataram’ became the soul of India’s freedom struggle, inspiring generations with its call to salute the motherland. Lodha said the song continues to evoke deep patriotism and national unity even after 150 years.

“Vande Mataram is not just a song—it is an emotion that binds us as Indians. The group singing across Maharashtra will be a tribute to our martyrs and a reaffirmation of our love for the motherland,” Lodha said.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, similar commemorations are being organised across the country. In Maharashtra, the skill development department has formed committees at both state and district levels to coordinate events throughout the year.

The government has issued an official circular encouraging all educational institutions, government offices, and public bodies to organise group singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. Alongside, essay competitions, debates, exhibitions, and cultural performances are planned at various levels.

The department of cultural affairs, led by minister Ashish Shelar, will also hold cultural events state-wide to commemorate the occasion. Social organisations, schools, and colleges are expected to participate actively, while the campaign will also have a strong presence on social media to reach younger audiences.

As Maharashtra begins the year-long Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav, the resounding chorus of ‘Vande Mataram’ is set to echo across the state—reviving the timeless song that once united India’s freedom movement.