BJP celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram across J&K, Ladakh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 7: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today organized a grand programme at Maharaja Hari Singh Ji Park, Jammu, to commemorate 150 years of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram. The event drew an overwhelming gathering of citizens, party workers, and dignitaries, celebrating the undying spirit of nationalism and unity.
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The programme was graced by BJP national general secretary and Prabhari Jammu and Kashmir, Tarun Chugh, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP and J&K BJP president, Sat Sharma, Lok Sabha MP, Jugal Kishore Sharma, vice-president and programme in charge, Priya Sethi, along with senior party leaders, MLAs, office bearers, and prominent citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Tarun Chugh said that Vande Mataram is not merely a song but the soul of India’s freedom movement, a chant that united millions of Indians against British rule and awakened the spirit of Bharatiyata. He said that Vande Mataram symbolizes the reverence of every Indian towards the motherland and continues to inspire unity and pride.
Chugh criticized the Congress for its long history of appeasement and for repeatedly undermining national symbols to please vote banks. “Since the 1923 Kakinada Congress session, when Maulana Mohammad Ali objected to the singing of Vande Mataram, the Congress has shown the same divisive mindset, from then till the 2019 decision of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Government to ban its recitation in the Secretariat,” he said.
Referring to recent statements from the Kashmir Valley against Vande Mataram programmes, Chugh said such voices are driven by hatred and separatism. “Those who oppose Vande Mataram are not opposing a song; they are rejecting the idea of Bharat itself,” he said, adding that this mentality stems from a narrow and divisive view of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Sat Sharma said that Vande Mataram is not just an anthem of freedom but a perennial reminder of our cultural roots and collective strength. “It was the spirit of Vande Mataram that inspired the freedom fighters to sacrifice everything for Bharat Mata, and today, under PM Modi’s leadership, that same spirit is steering India toward Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, while addressing the gathering, said that every Indian must feel proud to sing Vande Mataram, which binds the people across regions, religions, and languages.
Priya Sethi conducted the stage proceedings, while district president, Rajesh Gupta presented the vote of thanks.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta today launched the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram at Sindhu Ghat, Shey Leh. The celebration aims to honour the historical, cultural, and emotional significance of Vande Mataram, a song that has inspired generations with its message of unity, patriotism, and devotion to the motherland.
The year-long observance of Vande Mataram underscores the UT Administration’s commitment to promoting national integration, preserving cultural heritage, and upholding the values of unity and patriotism.
As part of the initiative, a mass singing event was performed by various school students along with the police band. These activities aim to foster greater awareness of the legacy of “Vande Mataram,” and encourage wider public participation across Ladakh.
Meanwhile, J&K BJP also organized a programme at its party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, which was addressed by office secretary, Tilak Raj Gupta, Media Incharge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, and Library Incharge Prof. Kulbhushan Mohtra.
The 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ was commemorated in Kashmir also with an event held at Rajbagh, Srinagar.
J&K BJP general secretary (Org), Ashok Koul and former president, J&K BJP Ravinder Raina were the chief guests on the occasion.
Among other prominent leaders present were State vice president, Dr Shehnaz Ganie, secretary Arif Raja, Social Media co-incharge and programme incharge Sajjad Raina, and media incharge Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Shah, State Spokespersons Altaf Thakur and Sahil Bashir Bhat, and senior party leaders.
While addressing the gathering, Ashok Koul said, “Vande Mataram’, which served as a motto for the country’s independence, inspired millions of revolutionaries.
The Basohli administration today organized a grand Padyatra from the Rest House of the Public Works Department to the iconic Atal Setu To commemorate 150 years of the patriotic song “Vande Mataram,”.
The unity march was flagged off by DDC Chairman Colonel Mahan Singh (Retd), who graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Among those present were MLA Basohli Darshan Kumar, ADC Basohli Pankaj Bhagotra, CEO BBDA Babu Ram, Principal GDC Basohli Sunil Gupta, SDPO Kuljeet Singh, Tehsildar Sagar Vishwa Karma, CDPO Rakesh Kumar, BDO and EO Municipal Committee Rajesh Kumar, other officers, teachers and students.
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