Telangana orders mass recitation of Vande Mataram to mark 150 years of national song

Hyderabad: Telangana government has ordered mass recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ across all offices and educational institutions on Friday to mark 150 years of the national song.

The initiative is aimed at honouring the patriotic hymn that inspired India’s freedom movement.

Government issues statewide directions

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Thursday issued detailed instructions to all District Collectors to organise the programme at 10 a.m. on November 7, commemorating the day Bankim Chandra Chatterjee penned ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1875.

Collectorates, government departments, and educational institutions — including government, local body, aided, and recognised private schools and colleges — have been directed to participate simultaneously.

District Collectors were also asked to ensure prompt communication to all Heads of Departments and educational authorities.

Nationwide Commemoration led by Prime Minister

The mass singing in Telangana will coincide with the national launch ceremony in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long celebrations organised by the Ministry of Culture.

The event will formally begin the nationwide tribute to ‘Vande Mataram’, which will continue until November 7, 2026, featuring cultural and patriotic programmes across India.

People from all walks to join in Unison

As part of the synchronised nationwide initiative, citizens from all sections of society — including students, teachers, government officials, police personnel, doctors, traders, drivers, and elected representatives — will sing the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ in unison with the main event in the national capital.

The effort aims to rekindle national pride and collective unity, celebrating a song that continues to resonate as a timeless emblem of India’s spirit.

A song that stirred a Nation

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, ‘Vande Mataram’ first appeared in his literary journal Bangadarshan and was later included in his celebrated novel ‘Anandamath’.

The song, which became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle, remains an enduring symbol of patriotism and cultural identity, reflecting the idea of Mother India as the unifying force.