The 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was celebrated with great reverence and patriotic fervour at Dibrugarh Hanumanbux Surajmal Kanoi (DHSK) College (Autonomous) on Friday. The event highlighted the song’s profound historical significance and its enduring power to inspire love for the motherland.
The gathering, which saw the participation of faculty, staff, and students, was hosted by Dr Sayanika Goswami. The objectives of the commemorative meeting were eloquently outlined by Vice Principal Dr Partha Ganguli, setting a thoughtful tone for the proceedings.
Principal Dr Sashi Kanta Saikia illuminated the deep meaning behind the iconic words.
“This song is the immortal melody of the heart of Indian national life. Vande Mataram is actually a call to the people of India to love the country and the people. It expresses love for the beautiful rivers, mountains, flowers, crops and green nature of the country. It is also a symbol of deep love for the motherland and freedom. It is a symbol of pride equal to the national flag and the national anthem,” he said.
The event was also attended by Dr Moromi Talukdar, Academic In-Charge, and other department members. Adding a poignant student perspective, Nibha Lahan delivered a beautiful speech on the importance of loving one’s country, reinforcing the timeless message of ‘Vande Mataram’ for the new generation.
Penned by legendary author Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, in Sanskritised Bengali, “Vande Mataram” first appeared in print in 1882 as part of his seminal novel “Anandmath.” The powerful composition fueled India’s independence movement before being formally adopted as the national song in 1950.
