The historic 150th anniversary of India’s revered national song “Vande Mataram” was commemorated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the District Commissioner’s office campus in Dibrugarh on Friday.
Penned by the legendary Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, in Sanskritised Bengali, “Vande Mataram” first appeared in print in 1882 as an integral part of his seminal novel Anandmath. This powerful composition would go on to fuel the flames of India’s independence movement before being formally adopted as the national song of the Republic of India in 1950, cementing its place in the nation’s constitutional framework.
The landmark celebration witnessed the presence of Assam Power Minister and Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, District Commissioner Bikram Kairi, along with distinguished guests, eminent personalities, local artistes, and hundreds of citizens who gathered to honour the iconic composition.
The highlight of the event was a soulful rendition of “Vande Mataram” by talented local artistes, which stirred deep emotions and rekindled the spirit of nationalism among attendees. The performance served as a poignant reminder of the song’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and its enduring legacy in the nation’s cultural consciousness.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Prasanta Phukan spoke about the song’s timeless appeal and significance.
“Vande Mataram continues to inspire unity, patriotism, and devotion to the motherland. Even after 150 years, its message resonates with every Indian,” he said.
The celebration also featured a live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address, wherein he spoke passionately about the national importance of “Vande Mataram” and its message of collective strength and unwavering love for the nation.
District Commissioner Bikram Kairi said, “It is an honour to celebrate this milestone in Dibrugarh. ‘Vande Mataram’ represents our shared heritage and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.”
The ceremony concluded on a high patriotic note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to the ideals embodied in the national song.
