Celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram

Daily Update

Ganderbal. Under the second phase of 150 years of national song Vande Mataram, DC Jatin Kishore flagged off the Youth Run from Mini Secretariat Ganderbal on Sunday. The marathon was organised with the aim of promoting physical fitness, encouraging active participation among youth and officers and strengthening the spirit of nationalism and unity. On this occasion, ADC Dr. Syed Fahim Bihaki, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Youth Services and Sports Department officials, Physical Education Lecturers, Physical Education Masters, Physical Education Teachers, Rahbar-e-Khel and National Youth Corps actively participated in the program.

The President recalled that the great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed ‘Vande Mataram Yenbom’ in Tamil, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, which helped connect the masses on an even greater scale with the spirit of the national song.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said celebrations are ongoing to mark 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram, describing it as a “lyrical national prayer” that instills patriotism in every Indian.

In a televised address to the nation on the evening of the 77th Republic Day, Murmu said the commemorative events have been organized since November 7 last year. “This song, which is a prayer to the divine form of Bharat Mata, instills patriotism in every Indian,” she said.

The President recalled that the great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed ‘Vande Mataram Yenbom’ in Tamil, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, which helped connect the masses on an even greater scale with the spirit of the national song.

She noted that translations of Vande Mataram in other Indian languages also became popular over time, further spreading its message across the country.

Murmu also highlighted the role of philosopher and freedom fighter Sri Aurobindo, who translated the song into English, helping introduce its essence to a broader audience.

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram holds a unique place in India’s freedom struggle and cultural awareness, the President said, calling it the nation’s “lyrical national prayer”.

The President’s address comes ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on Monday, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.

77th Republic Day:

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled, which will be followed by the national anthem with a thunderstorm 21-gun salute

New Delhi:

As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day today, President Draupadi Murmu will preside over the parade in Delhi’s Kartavya Path. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are the chief guests.

Here are 10 points on today’s Republic Day parade

This year, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to showcase India’s noteworthy journey. The celebrations will feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram.

The country’s unprecedented evolutionary progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life will be showcased, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The Republic Day parade will begin at 10:30 am and run for a duration of some 90 minutes. It will start with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying homage to fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Thereafter, PM Modi and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to see the parade. President Murmu and the two chief guests will come in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled, which will be followed by the national anthem with a thunderstorm 21-gun salute using 105 mm light field guns, an indigenously developed artillery system. The 21-gun salute will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.

At least 100 cultural artists will perform in the parade on the theme of ‘Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity’. The grand musical presentation will demonstrate the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity.

The parade will be command by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi, a second-generation officer. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, a third-generation army officer, will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashoka Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalia (retired) and Colonel D Sriram Kumar.

The European Union (EU) contingent will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies. They will be seen carrying four flags – the flag of the EU, the most recognized symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.

For the first time, the parade will showcase a phased battle array format of the Indian Army, including the airborne component. The recce element would consist of the 61st Cavalry in active combat uniform. Then the high mobility reconnaissance vehicle, India’s first natively designed armored light specialist vehicle, will roll in. Providing aerial support would be the indigenous Dhruv advanced light helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra.