Hariharan gifts 'Vande Mataram' vinyl to President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Synopsis
Legendary singer Hariharan took his family — four generations strong — to Rashtrapati Bhavan and presented President Droupadi Murmu with a special vinyl edition of 'Vande Mataram' and a bespoke turntable. For Hariharan, it wasn't just a meeting; it was music offered as a form of national devotion.
Key Takeaways
Hariharan met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 28 October 2026 .
The singer gifted the President a special vinyl edition of 'The Anthem – Vande Mataram' along with a bespoke turntable .
Hariharan called the occasion a profound honour for his family across four generations .
His mother, Alamelu Mani , shared an affectionate interaction with President Murmu.
Hariharan has been awarded the Padma Shri (2004) for his contribution to Indian music.
Celebrated playback singer Hariharan met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 28 October 2026, presenting her with a special vinyl edition of 'The Anthem – Vande Mataram' along with a bespoke turntable, in what the singer described as a moment of profound national pride. Hariharan shared photographs from the meeting on his social media, calling it a day etched in his family's hearts forever.
A Four-Generation Family Moment
The occasion held deep personal resonance for the singer, who was accompanied by family members spanning four generations. He particularly noted the affectionate interaction between President Murmu and his mother, Alamelu Mani, describing it as a memory the family would cherish for a lifetime. Witnessing the President's warmth and grace, he said, made the gathering all the more meaningful.
What Hariharan Said
In a post shared on social media, Hariharan wrote: 'It was a profound honor and privilege for me and my entire family, across four generations, to meet the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.' He added that the family had received the blessing of presenting her with the vinyl along with the turntable. Reflecting on what music means to him, he said: 'Music is our humble offering to the nation, and receiving Her Excellency's blessings in the presence of my loved ones makes this journey truly complete.' He concluded the post with the words 'Vande Mataram'.
About the 'Vande Mataram' Vinyl
The gift — a special edition vinyl of 'The Anthem – Vande Mataram' — is a considered tribute to the national song, rendered in a format that underscores both artistic craftsmanship and patriotic sentiment. The inclusion of a bespoke turntable alongside the vinyl makes the presentation a curated collector's piece, signalling the care with which Hariharan chose to honour the occasion.
Hariharan: A Voice Across Decades
Hariharan is one of India's most celebrated playback singers, with a career spanning multiple decades and languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu. He began his professional journey in the 1980s and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for his contribution to Indian music. Among his iconic songs are 'Tu Hi Re' from Bombay, 'Roja Jaaneman' from Roja, and 'Baahon Ke Darmiyaan' from Khamoshi. The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan adds another landmark chapter to a distinguished legacy rooted in service to Indian music and culture.
Point of View
But Hariharan's visit speaks to something more layered — the quiet ways in which artists seek to anchor their legacies in national identity. The 'Vande Mataram' framing is deliberate: in an era of streaming and algorithmic playlists, presenting a vinyl edition to the head of state is an assertion that music remains a living cultural offering, not just content. What the meeting also reflects is the sustained relevance of India's classical-pop crossover generation — artists like Hariharan who built careers on craft before the attention economy arrived.
NationPress
28 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hariharan gift President Droupadi Murmu?
Hariharan presented President Droupadi Murmu with a special vinyl edition of 'The Anthem – Vande Mataram' along with a bespoke turntable during a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 28 October 2026. He described the gift as music offered as a humble contribution to the nation.
Why did Hariharan call the Rashtrapati Bhavan meeting a profound honour?
Hariharan described the occasion as profoundly significant because he was accompanied by family members spanning four generations, and because it gave them the opportunity to receive the President's blessings. He noted the warm and affectionate interaction President Murmu had with his mother, Alamelu Mani.
Who is Hariharan and what awards has he received?
Hariharan is one of India's most celebrated playback singers, known for his versatility across Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and other languages. He began his career in the 1980s and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for his outstanding contribution to Indian music.
What are some of Hariharan's most iconic songs?
Among Hariharan's most beloved songs are 'Tu Hi Re' from Bombay, 'Roja Jaaneman' from Roja, and 'Baahon Ke Darmiyaan' from Khamoshi. His repertoire spans multiple decades and languages, making him one of India's most versatile playback voices.
Where did Hariharan share pictures of the Presidential meeting?
Hariharan shared photographs from the meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on his social media accounts, accompanied by the words 'Vande Mataram'. The post detailed the significance of the occasion for his family and his feelings about music as a national offering.
