Vande Mataram’s 150th Anniversary Celebrated at Khordha School ;

‘Namami Mataram’ programme highlights the song’s role in India’s freedom struggle and its enduring legacy of patriotism.

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 25: The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was celebrated at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir in Khordha with a special programme organised under the ‘Namami Mataram’ initiative of Vidya Bharati, highlighting the historical significance of the national song and its enduring influence on India’s freedom struggle and national consciousness.
More than 500 students of Classes VI to X, along with teachers, the Headmaster, the Asst.Headmaster and members of the school management committee, participated in the programme. The students collectively sang Vande Mataram, paying tribute to the iconic composition that inspired generations of Indians during the struggle for independence.
Welcoming the gathering, school Asst.Headmaster Prabhakar Swain said Vidya Bharati had launched the ‘Namami Mataram’ initiative across its Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandirs throughout the country to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the song.

Highlighting its historical significance, he said Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, had played a crucial role in awakening national consciousness and fostering patriotic sentiments during the freedom movement. The song, he added, continued to occupy a special place in the hearts of Indians as a symbol of the country’s identity, spirit and cultural heritage.
RSS co-provincial Seva Pramukh Beleswar Sahu, who attended the programme as the chief guest, spoke about the contribution of Vande Mataram to the national movement. He acquainted the students with the historical circumstances surrounding the song and explained how it inspired people to unite in the cause of the country’s independence.
Prabhat Panigrahi, assistant district secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, attended the programme as the chief speaker. Referring to the Swadeshi movement and the agitation against the partition of Bengal, he said Vande Mataram had emerged as a powerful expression of national awakening and popular mobilisation against colonial rule.
He stressed the importance of cultivating patriotism, national unity and historical awareness among students. Describing Vande Mataram as more than a song or slogan, he said it embodied love for the motherland, national consciousness and a spirit of dedication to the country.
The speakers recalled the role of Vande Mataram in inspiring courage, sacrifice and a determination to achieve independence among Indians during British rule. The song became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, encouraging them to rise above personal interests and work towards the liberation of the country.
The programme also emphasised the need to uphold the ideals associated with Vande Mataram in everyday life rather than limiting its significance to ceremonial occasions. The speakers called upon students to promote national unity, preserve the country’s cultural heritage and uphold its values while discharging their responsibilities as citizens.
The celebration concluded with a renewed emphasis on the enduring relevance of Vande Mataram in fostering patriotism, strengthening national identity and preserving the legacy of India’s freedom struggle.