Itanagar, Nov 7: Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ with patriotic fervour and unity. The observance saw enthusiastic participation from government departments, educational institutions, and the armed forces across the state.
At the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar, Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik led the commemoration by joining citizens in the nationwide collective singing of the Rashtriya Geet.
Extending his greetings, the Governor described Vande Mataram as a “timeless song that stirred the soul of India’s freedom movement” and “a living celebration of unity, courage, and the unbreakable bond with our motherland.”
He recalled that the song, written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel Anandamath, became the chant of defiance, the melody of sacrifice, and the heartbeat of a nation awakening to its destiny. He said that the song echoed through rallies, whispered courage into the hearts of those imprisoned, and became an enduring symbol of patriotism for countless freedom fighters.
The Governor said that even today, Vande Mataram shines as a symbol of India’s unity, dignity, and resilience. “It reminds us that our greatest strength lies not only in our vast diversity but also in the emotional bond that ties every Indian to one motherland.”
The event, organized by the Department of Art & Culture under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured a patriotic musical performance by the department’s artists.
Eminent personalities including Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Prof SK Nayak, Chief Secretary (in-charge) Pawan Kumar Sain, and Prof PK Nayak of RGU shared reflections on the song’s national significance. Speaker Tesam Pongte and people from all walks of life, including government officials and students from Goa and Uttarakhand also attended, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
At Tawang, Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in the commemorative programme and joined citizens in watching the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Yeh Dharti Hamari Maa Hai, Yeh Desh Hamari Maa Hai. The immortal words Vande Mataram continue to awaken in us a sense of devotion, sacrifice, and eternal love for our motherland, reminding us that Bharat is not just a country, but a living spirit — our Maa,” Khandu said.
He described Vande Mataram as not merely a song but a sacred hymn that stirred the hearts of countless freedom fighters — a timeless call of devotion to the Motherland and a soulful prayer that continues to inspire every generation.
“Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, Vande Mataram became the soul-stirring anthem of India’s freedom movement, awakening the spirit of patriotism in every Indian heart. As we commemorate 150 glorious years, we pay tribute to the timeless words that united a nation and continue to inspire love and service to Maa Bharati,” he added.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein participated in the Unity March (Ekta Yatra) at Namsai before joining the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram at the District Secretariat, where he took part in the mass singing of the National Song along with citizens and officials.
Recalling its historic importance, Mein said Vande Mataram is not merely a song but a sacred invocation of the motherland that inspired India’s freedom fighters. He also drew parallels between the Swadeshi spirit of the song and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Arunachal Pradesh Police celebrated 150 years of Vande Mataram at the Police Training Centre (PTC), Banderdewa with great patriotic fervour. All officers and trainees of PTC joined the event, singing the National Song together along with performances by the PTC Band and VKV Band.
The celebration reflected the deep sense of pride and devotion associated with Vande Mataram, which continues to inspire unity, discipline, and love for the Motherland among the police fraternity.
Districts across the state also joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, with patriotic zeal and cultural unity. The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation across the state in educational institutions, government offices, and security establishments.
Tirap district commemorated the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram at Khonsa. The event, graced by Environment & Forests Minister Wangki Lowang and MLA Wanglam Sawin, featured cultural performances and collective singing by students of RK Sarada Mission Girls’ School. The 44 Assam Rifles also organised a parallel event at its Khonsa Headquarters.
In East Siang, the main function was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Pasighat, attended by MLA Tapi Darang and DC Sonalika Jiwani. Students of JNV Pasighat presented a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the screening of a short film and the Prime Minister’s speech.
In Upper Subansiri district, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was observed across institutions and administrative centres. At Daporijo, MLA Taniya Soki attended the district programme as chief guest and urged citizens to learn and uphold both the National Song and the National Anthem as symbols of integrity and unity.
Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo emphasised the need for the phased observance of Vande Mataram, especially in schools and colleges, to instill patriotism among the younger generation. In Dumporijo, ADC Otem Jamo led the Vande Mataram singing programme held at the ADC office.
Lower Siang district launched a series of commemorative events with mass singing at Likabali, Nari, Gensi, and Koyu, joined by people from all walks of life. A lecture on the significance of Vande Mataram was delivered by Laryir Doye, followed by the screening of the Prime Minister’s commemorative address.
Papum Pare district observed the occasion at 137 centres, including administrative offices and educational institutions. A collage competition at Binny Yanga Government College, Leikhi, added a creative touch to the celebrations.
In Lohit district, the main programme was organised at the Community Convention Centre, Tezu. Deputy Commissioner KN Damo and ZPM Balong Tindiya highlighted the song’s message of unity and devotion to the motherland. Students presented patriotic songs and group renditions of Vande Mataram at Tezu and Wakro.
West Siang district marked the day with events held across all administrative centres. At the DC Office, Aalo, the celebration included mass singing of Vande Mataram and screening of the Prime Minister’s address. Officials and students pledged to uphold the ideals of patriotism and national integrity.
In Dibang Valley, programmes were held at the DC’s Office, Anini, and across schools and institutions, featuring patriotic songs, speeches, and competitions. A unique highlight came from the Athunli 680 MW Survey Team, which paused its fieldwork to join the nationwide celebration.
At Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, over 150 participants comprising students, research scholars, and faculty members gathered for a mass rendition of Vande Mataram. The event featured a live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address and participation in the national campaign “Karaoke with Vande Mataram.” Vice-Chancellor (i/c) Prof J Sahoo highlighted the song’s historical importance and its role in uniting the nation.
At Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin, Naharlagun, the occasion was celebrated in collaboration with the Indian Railways, Rangia Zone. Over 500 students sang Vande Mataram in unison, filling the campus with patriotic fervour.
Across the state, from Khonsa to Tezu and from Doimukh to Pasighat, the celebrations echoed the timeless message of Vande Mataram — honouring the spirit of freedom, unity, and devotion to the motherland.