India celebrated a historic milestone as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) marked 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ on Friday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the song represents the nation’s determination, commitment, and enduring hope, inspiring every Indian to pursue a shared dream and collective destiny.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, “MEA joins the nation in celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. It represents the determination, commitment and hope of a nation. Today, it inspires us to realize a shared dream and collective destiny. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, ‘Vande Mataram’ has Bharat at its core and will always be an inspiration for us.”

Senior officials, including MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran, Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra, Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, attended the celebration at the ministry.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the song’s deep historical and cultural significance, calling it “the voice of India’s awakening” during the struggle against colonial rule.

PM Modi remarked, “During the era of slavery, ‘Vande Mataram’ became the voice of India’s awakening — a declaration that the chains binding Maa Bharati would be broken by her own children, who would then shape their destiny. The song’s first line, ‘Sujalam suphalam, malayaja shitalam, shasyashyamalam, Mataram!’ symbolizes reverence to our land, abundant in natural beauty and prosperity.”

He added that even in times of despair, ‘Vande Mataram’ instilled confidence and unity among Indians, inspiring them to dream of a free and prosperous nation. “Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s vision continues to guide us toward realizing India’s golden era,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875. The song was first published in the literary magazine Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. Over time, it evolved into a timeless symbol of India’s unity, self-respect, and spiritual strength, capturing the essence of devotion to the motherland.

As India commemorates 150 years of this historic anthem, ‘Vande Mataram’ continues to resonate as a beacon of patriotism and a reminder of the collective power that binds the nation together.