The resounding words of Vande Mataram-I bow to thee, Mother-echoed as a rallying cry for India’s freedom long before independence became a tangible dream. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s, when the nation was still reeling under colonial oppression, the song ignited the collective consciousness of millions. It infused a sense of unity, purpose, and reverence for the motherland, binding together a diverse nation under a single emotional thread. As the country marks 150 years of this immortal composition through commemorative events nationwide, the massive public participation-running into crores-proves that the song’s soul-stirring message still resonates deeply across generations.
It is worth remembering that when Vande Mataram first became popular, India was not a connected nation of smartphones, instant messaging, or 24×7 news. Truth and ideas travelled slowly-sometimes taking weeks or even months to reach remote corners. Yet, the song found its way into every freedom gathering, every protest, every whisper of rebellion. It inspired leaders and ordinary citizens alike to rise against colonial rule, transforming cultural emotion into political action. Today, as the country revisits this historical moment, the commemoration serves not only as an act of remembrance but also as a reaffirmation of shared identity and purpose.
The government’s decision to celebrate Vande Mataram over four phases-spanning from November 2025 to November 2026-reflects a broader effort to reconnect citizens with the ideals of the freedom struggle. Each phase, through seminars, exhibitions, musical renditions, and public readings, revives stories of collective struggle and sacrifice that shaped India’s destiny. These events serve as living classrooms for the younger generation, offering glimpses into an era when patriotism was measured not in slogans but in sacrifices.
Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the second-best-performing region among all states and union territories. Even more remarkably, Kishtwar district stood third among all districts of India. It represents a powerful transformation of mindset in a region that for decades was scarred by separatism, terrorism, and alienation. The region, which once hesitated to even hoist the national flag, now witnesses lakhs singing Vande Mataram in unison. This transformation did not happen overnight. It reflects years of consistent efforts by the administration, local representatives, security forces, and the people themselves to reclaim their space in the national narrative. That Kishtwar-a district that once battled the worst phases of militancy-has topped participation among J&K’s 20 districts speaks volumes about the changing ground realities. Credit rightly goes to local MLAs and district administration for mobilising schools, colleges, and civil society to make the celebrations truly inclusive. Equally encouraging is Srinagar’s position as the second-highest participant district in the UT. A city that symbolised unrest for decades now resonates with songs of unity and pride. The shift from hartals, stone-pelting, and grenade attacks to cultural gatherings and patriotic renditions is indeed remarkable. It signals not just a change in the law-and-order situation but a deeper transformation in mindset-from separatism to nationalism, from alienation to belonging.
The government’s approach of celebrating every milestone in India’s civilisational journey with enthusiasm-whether it is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Vande Bharat, or now Vande Mataram-reflects a renewed national consciousness. These celebrations do not merely commemorate the past; they connect history with the present and inspire confidence for the future. The massive participation across states and districts also highlights that young India is eager to know, relive, and internalise the struggles and ideals of its forefathers. The enthusiastic participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly from areas once dominated by militancy, marks a new dawn of unity and national pride.
History, after all, is not just about dates and events-it is about the values that endure through time. The Vande Mataram celebrations remind us of the cost of freedom, the power of unity, and the indomitable spirit of a people who dared to believe in their destiny. In reviving that spirit, India not only pays homage to its past but also strengthens the foundation of its future-resilient, inclusive, and proud of its motherland.
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