Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the state-level celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on November 7. In his address, he described Vande Mataram as more than just a song; it is a timeless emblem of patriotism, sacrifice, and valor that continues to inspire generations of Indians.
Majhi noted that the immortal composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which originated in his iconic novel Anandamath, became a rallying cry for freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. “The British rulers once banned Vande Mataram after witnessing its growing influence and popularity, which stands as proof of its strength and power,” he remarked.
Describing the occasion as a historic day of national resolve, Majhi stated, “Today marks 150 years of the eternal mantra ‘Vande Mataram,’ which envisioned India as one united and powerful nation. This is not just a historic celebration, but a moment to remember the national resolve born from the sacrifices and dedication of our forefathers.”
He further highlighted that the hymn, created by Rishi Bankim Chandra and immortalised by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s voice, served as a mantra of courage and immortality for India’s freedom fighters. “This sacred chant of patriotism infused countless revolutionaries with the strength to embrace death with a smile on the gallows. When the British government attempted to ban the song, each of its verses became an oath of defiance and unity for Indians,” added the Chief Minister.
ଆଜି ଲୋକସେବା ଭବନ ପ୍ରାଙ୍ଗଣରେ ଭାରତର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଗୀତ ‘ବନ୍ଦେ ମାତରମ୍’ ର ୧୫୦ ବର୍ଷ ପୂର୍ତ୍ତି ଉତ୍ସବ ଅବସରରେ ଯୋଗଦେଇ ସାମୂହିକ 'ବନ୍ଦେ ମାତରମ୍' ଗାନରେ ଅଂଶଗ୍ରହଣ କଲି।
ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ନରେନ୍ଦ୍ର ମୋଦୀଙ୍କ ଆହ୍ୱାନ କ୍ରମେ, ଆଜିଠାରୁ 'ବନ୍ଦେ ମାତରମ୍'ର ୧୫୦ ବର୍ଷ ପୂର୍ତ୍ତି ପାଳନର ବର୍ଷବ୍ୟାପୀ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆରମ୍ଭ… pic.twitter.com/45L60L69Uf
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) November 7, 2025
Emphasising that patriotism transcends language, religion, and region, Majhi stated that a nation’s progress is impossible without love for the motherland. “Vande Mataram rekindles that eternal flame of patriotism within our hearts. This year-long commemoration aims to instil these values deeply among the youth, students, and children,” he said.
The Chief Minister joined the nationwide launch of the Vande Mataram anniversary celebration, which was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from New Delhi. He also participated in the mass singing of the national song, held simultaneously across the country. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the collective recitation of Vande Mataram echoes the spirit of unity and integrity that defines India,” Majhi noted.
Announcing year-long activities, the Chief Minister stated that district-level programmes will be organised throughout Odisha, including mass singing, cultural performances, awareness drives, and school and college-level events to promote the spirit of the national song. “Let us all take part in this historic observance and pledge to spread the glory of Bharat Mata across the world,” he urged.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr. Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, along with senior officials and employees from various departments. Students from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya performed the national song Vande Mataram, filling the atmosphere with patriotic fervour and emotion.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a year-long celebration across the state, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to uphold and spread the spirit of Vande Mataram—the eternal hymn of unity, strength, and devotion to the nation.
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