District Budgam joins Nation in celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram

• DC highlights historical and cultural significance of the national song

BUDGAM: District Budgam today joined the rest of the nation in celebrating 150 years of the iconic national song Vande Mataram, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at New Delhi.  The celebration marks a historic milestone, paying tribute to the song that continues to inspire generations with its message of patriotism, unity, and devotion to the motherland.

The celebrations in Budgam were conducted under the directions of the District Administration Budgam, in line with the UT-wide initiative to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram across Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, who spoke in detail about the origin, significance, and timeless relevance of the national song Vande Mataram.

It was emphasised by the DC that the song, penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, had served as a powerful source of inspiration during the Indian freedom struggle, uniting people across regions, languages, and faiths under the shared emotion of nationalism and love for the country. The DC further underlined that the spirit of Vande Mataram continues to resonate even today, reminding every citizen of their responsibility towards the nation and its values of peace, harmony, and collective progress. 

It was stated that national symbols such as the national song not only connect citizens with their glorious past but also instil a sense of duty and belonging in future generations. The DC stressed that young students and youth of the district should draw lessons from the essence of Vande Mataram, which embodies the ideals of unity in diversity. He expressed appreciation for the active participation of educational institutions, district officers, and citizens in the celebration, noting that such events play an important role in strengthening the emotional bond between people and the nation.

Guest speakers from Government Degree College Budgam also delivered addresses highlighting the literary, historical, and cultural significance of the song. It was observed that Vande Mataram had served as both a hymn of devotion and a clarion call during India’s freedom movement, symbolising sacrifice, courage, and patriotism.

During the programme, participants also paid tributes to the great freedom fighters and visionaries who popularised the song during India’s struggle for independence. A short presentation on the journey of Vande Mataram through history was displayed, which was widely appreciated by the participants. The programme concluded with a collective recitation of Vande Mataram by the attendees, reflecting deep patriotic fervour and national pride.

The event also witnessed the presence of SSP budgam, Nikhil Borkar; ADC Budgam, CPO Budgam, CEO Budgam, CEO MC Budgam, DIO Information, DSWO Budgam, DIO Informatics, and other senior officers of the District Administration. Officials from various departments, staff members, and representatives from educational institutions and colleges across the district also participated with great enthusiasm.