50 years of Vande Mataram commemorated

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 7: The 150 years of Vande Mataram was commemorated today at Manipur State  Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound and also at BJP Manipur Pradesh office (Thambal Shanglen), Nityaipat Chuthek, Keishampat.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the commemorative event held at the MSFDS where several MLAs, the Chief Secretary, senior officers, and distinguished guests were present.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that Vande Mataram, composed by the great patriot and writer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, is not merely a song but a powerful expression of love and reverence for the motherland.
He recalled how it became the lifeblood of India’s freedom movement, a call that awakened the spirit of nationalism across the country and noted that when the Constituent Assembly adopted Vande Mataram as the National song in 1950, it acknowledged its unmatched contribution in shaping the soul of the Nation.
The Governor reflected that even after 150 years, the spirit of Vande Mataram continues to unite all Indians beyond barriers of region, language, and faith.
He urged everyone to uphold its message of unity, peace, and progress and to draw inspiration from its sacred words in building a strong and prosperous Nation.
He also spoke about Manipur’s rich legacy of patriotism and sacrifice, stating that the courage, resilience, and devotion of the people of Manipur reflect the very essence of Vande Mataram.
From the State’s historic heroes to its present-day achievers in sports, arts, and culture, Manipur continues to make the Nation proud.
The Governor also appreciated the mass singing and choreographic presentations on Vande Mataram by Shri Shri Balmukunda Dev Music College, the Government Dance College, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, whose performances beautifully captured the patriotic fervour of the song.
He commended the Department of Art & Culture for its efforts in organising the commemorative event with such dignity and grandeur.
Bhalla called upon all citizens to let Vande Mataram be not just “a song we sing, but a pledge we live by, to dedicate ourselves to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, a developed, united, and inclusive India.”
Commemorating the 150 years of Vande Mataram, a large gathering including BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda, ex-Chief Minister N Biren, Rajya Sabha Member Leisemba Sanajaoba, MLAs Kh Joykisan, Kh Ibomcha, BJP office bearers and workers sang the National song together.
BJP Manipur Pradesh senior vice-president Nongthombam Nimbus said that Vande Mataram proved to be a potent weapon in India’s freedom struggle.
Bankimchandra’s Vande Mataram inspired millions of Indians and instilled a strong sense of nationalism among the masses, he said.
Nimbus said that the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi adopted a decision on October 1, 2025 to celebrate the 150 years of Vande Mataram for one full year.