Agartala, Nov 7 (NationPress) On Friday, Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed that Vande Mataram will perpetually ignite the flame of patriotism and nurture the essence of nationalism in future generations. He highlighted the pivotal role that Vande Mataram played during India’s struggle for independence.

Following the decision by the Central government, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram is set to be commemorated all year round, starting from today.

While participating in the celebration of the song's 150th year, composed by the literary genius Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, CM Saha revealed that the Union Cabinet made the decision on October 1, 2025.

CM Saha emphasized that Anandamath, a renowned novel by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was serialized and that Vande Mataram was created on Akshay Navami, November 7, 1875.

In 1896, the national song was performed by Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore during the Indian National Congress session in Kolkata, he noted.

He pointed out that the initial verses of Vande Mataram were routinely sung at Indian National Congress sessions. Over time, its popularity surged, and it became a mantra for liberation during the freedom movement, according to the Chief Minister.

Moreover, CM Saha mentioned that in 1905, amid the partition of Bengal, Vande Mataram was sung as a national anthem, playing a crucial role in the anti-partition movement.

In 1907, the phrase Vande Mataram was inscribed while raising the tricolor flag, he stated.

He also indicated that the national song Vande Mataram was sung when the Azad Hind government was declared.

The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, confirmed in 1950 during the Constituent Assembly that due to its significant role in the freedom struggle, Vande Mataram would be granted equal status and respect as the national anthem.

CM Saha noted that during British rule, Vande Mataram fueled nationalism, unity, and collective resistance against the partition of Bengal and foreign rulers.

The Chief Minister announced that the celebrations for Vande Mataram will unfold over a year in four phases from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, with plans established to ensure memorable festivities.

In addition to Agartala, the 150th anniversary will be celebrated across all district headquarters, subdivisions, blocks of the state, as well as by the Agartala Municipal Corporation, other municipal entities, and Nagar Panchayats.

Throughout the year, various programs will be organized to educate school and college students on the importance of Vande Mataram.

“This celebration is not merely an event; it is a commitment to instill the spirit of patriotism and national pride in our future generations,” he remarked.

CM Saha further stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated programs like Har Ghar Tiranga, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Ek Peer Maa Ke Naam. This time, he has also called for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Distinguished guests at the event included Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha, Secretary of Information and Cultural Affairs Department Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, along with other public representatives and senior officials.