Agartala, Nov 7: Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Thursday said that the patriotic hymn *“Vande Mataram,”* composed 150 years ago, continues to echo in the hearts of millions of Indians with the same fervour and emotion even today.
Speaking at the celebration of 150 years of *Vande Mataram* at Muktadhara Auditorium, Nath described the song as “not merely a poem or song, but a mantra that embodies India’s national consciousness, unity, and sacrifice.”
He recalled that *Vande Mataram*—written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in devotion to the motherland and later included in his 1882 novel *Anandamath*—became the rallying cry of India’s freedom struggle. “It is the world’s greatest devotional mantra, born from love for the motherland and a spirit of sacrifice,” he said.
The minister announced that the **150th anniversary of Vande Mataram** will be celebrated across India from **November 7, 2025**, through a year-long series of cultural events, social initiatives, and educational programmes aimed at rekindling patriotism and reinforcing national unity.
Nath also noted that Tripura’s Legislative Assembly had never sung *Vande Mataram* before 2018 due to political objections. “Since 2018, the song has been sung in every session, and every member pays tribute. This reflects the revival of true national sentiment,” he said.
Urging the youth to learn about the song’s history and essence, the minister remarked, “At a time when divisions of language, religion, and region persist, *Vande Mataram* reminds us that we are all one. The 150th anniversary celebrations will carry this timeless message to every corner of the country.”
