Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 05: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a major celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, on November 7, 2025. The event will be held in front of the historic Cellular Jail at Shaheed Park, Sri Vijaya Puram, a symbolic location where countless freedom fighters once sang the same song before being imprisoned for India’s independence.
Addressing a press conference, BJP leaders highlighted the historical, emotional, and cultural significance of Vande Mataram, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875. The song was first sung publicly by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 and went on to become the rallying cry of India’s freedom movement. “It inspired thousands of revolutionaries like Shri. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Shri. Lala Lajpat Rai, Shri. Bhagat Singh, and Netaji. Subhas Chandra Bose to fight fearlessly for the country’s freedom,” said Dr. R. Devdas, senior BJP leader and state Convener of the event.
The leaders expressed disappointment that despite being declared the national song by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1950, Vande Mataram was neglected over time due to political controversies. They recalled how, as early as 1923, some leaders objected to its recital on religious grounds, leading to unnecessary divisions. “Even today, in some states, its singing has been restricted or made optional. But for us, Vande Mataram is not just a song — it is a spirit that unites the nation,” said Dr. R Devdas.
The party announced that as part of the national celebration, Vande Mataram will be sung across 150 locations in India, each with at least 150 participants singing the full song — not just the first two verses usually recited in schools. “Just as we sing the entire national anthem with reverence, we will sing the full version of Vande Mataram as a mark of respect to our freedom fighters,” he added.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the grand event will be organized at Cellular Jail from 3 PM to 4 PM on November 7. BJP’s Andaman leadership, including party in-charge Mr. Kulkarni and Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, are expected to attend, along with students, volunteers, and local residents.
Speaking to the media, the BJP’s State President Mr. Anil Kumar Tiwari emphasized that the event is not political but patriotic. “We invite every citizen, student, and well-wisher to stand together with the tricolor in hand and sing Vande Mataram with pride. This is our tribute to the heroes who sang this song while walking into the gallows at Cellular Jail,” he said.
“This 150th anniversary is not merely a celebration — it’s a renewal of our national pride,” said the BJP State president. “From the sacred soil of Andaman, we will send a message to the entire nation — Vande Mataram still echoes in every Indian heart.” The Press Conference was coordinated by Mr. S P Elango, Media Incharge, BJP A&N State Unit.
