Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 7 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday celebrated 150 years of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' by organising collective singing programmes across all four parliamentary constituencies of Himachal Pradesh. The main event for the Shimla parliamentary constituency was held at Hotel Woodville Palace, where Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and MP Suresh Kashyap participated in the collective singing of Vande Mataram.
The event was part of the nationwide campaign launched by the BJP and the Central Government, commemorating the song's 150 years and recognising its pivotal role in India's freedom movement and national unity. Similar events were held simultaneously across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations in Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said, "The mantra and voice of freedom Vande Mataram led to the liberation of our country. I would like to thank and greet the Prime Minister for initiating this idea of celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram. The present and future generations must remember the immense contribution of those who fought for India's independence."
He added that the song symbolises the essence of India's cultural and spiritual unity.
"Opposition parties, including those in power in our state, claim that Mahatma Gandhi belonged only to them. But the Prime Minister has revived Gandhi's campaigns like Swachhata Abhiyan and the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Even Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a Congress leader, has been rightly honoured by Modi ji through the Statue of Unity."
"It is unfortunate that the Congress hesitates to sing Vande Mataram. Across the country, especially in NDA-ruled states, the celebration is being held with enthusiasm. We hoped the Congress government in Himachal would also join this effort to recall the mantra that contributed to our freedom. Back in 1950, Congress wrote to Pt. Nehru, deciding to sing only two lines of the song citing religious concerns. Such decisions only divide the nation," Jai Ram Thakur further said.
"We are fortunate to have leadership today that is connected with the nation's freedom, culture, and development. As the Prime Minister said, we must carry our culture, gratitude, and progress together. The youth need to know more about our heritage and those who made sacrifices for this freedom. We must remember and pay tribute to leaders like Birsa Munda and others," he added.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister and MP Anurag Thakur said that across the country, the programme is being held under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
"This is not merely a song but a mantra of our devotion, culture, and faith. It reminds us of the heritage of our great nation. Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was given the status of the National Song by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad," he said.
"The Union Cabinet decided to celebrate the 150 years of Vande Mataram as a national Utsav. Starting from Bankim Chandra's poetry, it became the slogan of the freedom struggle, and today, it is the mool mantra to build a Viksit Bharat." he said.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Anurag Thakur said that even during the freedom struggle, there were objections within the Congress.
"Maulana Mohammad Ali and others opposed the song on religious grounds. Unfortunately, even now, Congress governments try to avoid singing it. As the Prime Minister said, Vande Mataram is the voice of India's soul. Those who hesitate to sing it should reconsider their sense of national integrity," he said.
"The Congress is promoting appeasement politics by supporting Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrations. They even opposed Sardar Patel, whom Modi ji honoured with the Statue of Unity. Modi ji has given Yoga to the world, and campaigns like Har Ghar Tiranga have united the nation. Vande Mataram was once a slogan of freedom and today serves as an inspiration for a Viksit Rashtra. Congress disowned Dr B R Ambedkar, but Modi ji has honoured all contributors to India's freedom," he added.
Concluding the programme, MP Suresh Kashyap said, "The BJP has organised these programmes across all four parliamentary constituencies of Himachal Pradesh to celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram. The song is a symbol of India's unity and nationalism, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, such initiatives remind us of our shared history and the sacrifices made for our independence."
The leaders collectively emphasized that Vande Mataram is not just a song but a timeless call for patriotism, unity, and cultural pride a mantra that continues to inspire generations to work towards building a strong and united India.