150th Anniversary of “Vande Mataram”

1. Context and Background

• The Government of Maharashtra has launched a year-long celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.

• The celebration is titled “Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav”, meaning 150th Year Festival.

• The event was inaugurated at Mantralaya’s Trimurti Courtyard, Mumbai, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

• The initiative commemorates the historic and emotional legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’, which played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.

🟢 2. Historical Significance of “Vande Mataram”

• Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, originally in Sanskrit and Bengali.

• It first appeared in his novel “Anandamath” (1882), which depicted India as a divine mother figure.

• The song’s refrain — “Mother, I bow to thee” — symbolised patriotism and devotion to the motherland.

• It inspired countless freedom fighters including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Lala Lajpat Rai.

• The first two stanzas of the song were later adopted as India’s National Song.

🟢 3. About the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav

• Purpose: To celebrate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and rekindle patriotic spirit among citizens.

• Duration: The celebration is year-long, featuring cultural, educational, and social programs.

• Theme: Patriotism, Unity, and Cultural Pride.

🟢 4. Key Organisers and Leadership

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis — inaugurated the festival.

• Lead Ministry: Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Innovation — headed by Mangalprabhat Lodha, who conceptualised the event.

• Coordination: Department of Cultural Affairs, led by Ashish Shelar, managing statewide activities.

🟢 5. Major Activities and Highlights

1. Group Rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’

   • Hundreds of participants performed a collective singing at Mantralaya, marking the launch event.

2. Educational Participation

   • The government issued a circular encouraging schools, colleges, government offices, and civic bodies to organise group singing across the state.

3. Cultural and Literary Events

   • Essay writing, debate competitions, exhibitions, and stage performances based on the song’s legacy.

4. Public Engagement and Awareness

   • Social media campaigns and creative outreach programs to engage the youth digitally.

   • Aim: To make patriotism resonate in the digital era.

🟢 6. National Dimension

• The initiative aligns with the broader national vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.

• Similar commemorations are expected in other states to honour India’s cultural and patriotic symbols.

🟢 7. Exam-Oriented Key Facts

🟢 8. Broader Significance for UPSC

(a) Cultural Importance:

• Reflects how patriotic songs and literature fostered nationalism during the colonial era.

• Demonstrates the power of cultural symbols in uniting the nation.

(b) Governance and Society:

• Example of a state-led initiative promoting civic nationalism and youth participation.

• Shows how governments use heritage-based soft power to strengthen national unity.

(c) Ethical Dimension:

• Connects with UPSC Ethics topics like emotional integration, national pride, and cultural heritage.

🟢 9. Possible UPSC Prelims Questions

1. Who wrote the national song “Vande Mataram”?

   • (A) Rabindranath Tagore

   • (B) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay ✅

   • (C) Subramania Bharati

   • (D) Sri Aurobindo

2. The 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” is being celebrated by which state government?

   • (A) West Bengal

   • (B) Maharashtra ✅

   • (C) Tamil Nadu

   • (D) Gujarat

3. In which novel did “Vande Mataram” first appear?

   • (A) Anandamath ✅

   • (B) Devi Chaudhurani

   • (C) Rajmohan’s Wife

   • (D) Kapalkundala

🟢 10. Conclusion

The Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav of Vande Mataram is not just a commemoration, but a renewal of India’s patriotic consciousness.
By blending tradition with modern engagement, Maharashtra’s initiative exemplifies how cultural heritage can inspire unity and national pride even in the 21st century.