New Delhi [India], November 7 : The Ministry of Ayush today commemorated 150 years of India's National Song Vande Mataram with a mass singing programme held at the Central Courtyard of Ayush Bhawan. The event was organised in alignment with the nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Culture to mark this historic milestone.
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and joined officers and staff members of the Ministry in the collective recitation of the Vande Mataram song.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister mentioned, "In celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, we honour a song that became a powerful symbol of national awakening and a rallying cry in the struggle against British rule. The spirit of patriotism that later found expression in "Vande Mataram" was the same spirit that had first ignited the nation during the 1857 uprising. Every word of this timeless composition reflects the deep love and devotion of our citizens towards the Motherland. As we observe this anniversary across the country--from group singing and assemblies to seminars and special sessions in our legislatures--we reaffirm that India's progress must go hand in hand with the preservation of our heritage. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasised that along with development, our heritage must also be preserved; the nation will progress, but our heritage must progress with it. I am confident that the active participation of people across the nation will strengthen our collective resolve as we move together towards the vision of a developed India by 2047."
The rendition created a unifying atmosphere, reflecting the enduring emotional and cultural significance that Vande Mataram holds in India's journey of nationhood.
Following the singing ceremony, participants assembled in the Kautilya Conference Hall to view a special presentation curated by the Ministry of Culture on the legacy and historical journey of Vande Mataram. The event concluded with the live telecast of the Prime Minister's address, formally inaugurating the nationwide commemoration. A dedicated campaign website https://vandemataram150.in/ has also been launched by the Ministry of Culture in this regard.
Over the decades, Vande Mataram evolved from its literary appearance in Anandamath into a powerful expression of national awakening. As India underwent significant social, cultural, and political transformation, the song's invocation of the Motherland as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and divinity deeply resonated with people across the country. Its message of unity and self-respect inspired widespread participation in the freedom movement, giving it a lasting place in the nation's collective memory and public life.
The Ministry of Ayush's participation underscored its commitment to national cultural observances and its role in fostering collective expressions of patriotism. The event brought together the Ministry's workforce in a meaningful tribute to one of the nation's most cherished symbols.