Will Odisha Celebrate ‘Vande Mataram’ with a Statewide Singing on National Youth Day?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has issued directives for a communal singing of “Vande Mataram” across all educational establishments in the state, including schools, colleges, and universities. This initiative commemorates the 150th anniversary of the national song on the occasion of National Youth Day on January 12.
Educational institutions under the Skill Development & Technical Education Department have also been called upon to join in this collective performance of “Vande Mataram” and participate in various related activities. Apart from singing the national song, students will take an oath for “Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp”.
Institutions are encouraged to capture the event through photography and videography and to organize competitions among students.
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has sent official communications to the School and Mass Education Department, the Skill Development & Technical Education Department, as well as the Higher Education Department.
Previously, a state-level “Vande Mataram Training Programme” was conducted to prepare for this collective singing initiative in educational institutions.
The state has been segmented into five zones for this purpose: Jeypore Zone (including Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada), Brahmapur Zone (consisting of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Nayagarh), Balasore Zone (covering Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Jajpur), Sambalpur Zone (encompassing Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, and Subarnapur), and Bhubaneswar Zone (which includes Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, and Angul).
Under this initiative, zonal-level “Vande Mataram” training programs have been conducted.
Moreover, training programs have also been organized at the district, municipal, and block levels to ensure widespread participation throughout the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a year-long celebration for the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” on November 7, 2025.
The national song, composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, is traditionally believed to have been penned on Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7, 1875.