On Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi marks 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, urging citizens to join national events on Nov 7 and honour composer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s legacy. Read key takeaways and programmes.
PM Modi Celebrates 150 Years of Vande Mataram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 127th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, calling the national song a source of “immense emotion and a deep sense of pride in the hearts of every Indian.” He urged citizens to actively participate in events planned for November 7 to honour the song’s legacy and the composer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Modi described Vande Mataram as a timeless expression of patriotism that unites the nation, saying the chant can fill “140 crore Indians with the energy of unity” in times of difficulty. He framed the song as both a historical touchstone and a living symbol of national devotion, asking listeners to include the song in local commemorations and community programmes.
Beyond the anniversary, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, noting the composer wrote the song to awaken national pride during colonial rule. Modi linked the commemoration to broader civic themes, encouraging participation in the government’s environmental campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ and praising grassroots innovations such as Ambikapur’s waste-management “Garbage Cafes.” These calls connected cultural remembrance with contemporary civic action.
The broadcast also highlighted local success stories and community initiatives, with Modi citing examples of environment, sanitation and innovation across states — part of his regular pattern in Mann Ki Baat of showcasing citizen-led projects. Officials expect the 150th-anniversary events to include cultural programmes, institutional remembrances and school-level activities that highlight Vande Mataram’s role in India’s freedom movement and cultural history.
