Nuapada, Nov 7: The BJP district office in Nuapada, Odisha on Friday commemorated the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram with a vibrant celebration that honoured the song’s legacy as a symbol of patriotism, unity, and self-confidence.

The event was marked by speeches, cultural tributes, and a collective pledge to embrace indigenous goods and values.

A Song That Inspired a Nation

Speaking at the event, BJP State In-Charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar described Vande Mataram as more than a song — a national emblem of courage and unity. He highlighted its origins in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1875 publication in Bangadarshan, and its transformation into a rallying cry during India’s freedom movement.

Tomar noted that Vande Mataram was first sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress session in Kolkata and later adopted as India’s national song alongside Jana Gana Mana in 1950. He emphasized its rare distinction of being used consistently for 150 years across languages and platforms.

Also Read: Odisha CM: ‘Vande Mataram’ Embodies Patriotism and Sacrifice

National Recognition and Symbolic Tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion nationally by unveiling a commemorative postal stamp and a Rs150 coin. The celebration aligns with his call to honor India’s cultural heritage and rekindle patriotic spirit across the country.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo administered a pledge encouraging the use of swadeshi products and self-reliance. The event also featured cultural performances and historical reflections on the song’s role in shaping India’s identity.

Leaders and Participants Unite

The programme was chaired by Nuapada BJP District President Kamalesh Dixit and attended by prominent leaders including MP Pratap Sarangi, MLAs Amar Nayak and Santosh Khatua, and state functionaries such as Lata Usendi, Biranchi Narayan Tripathy, Purnima Nayak, Saroj Kar, and Smita Pradhan. Party workers and citizens joined in large numbers to celebrate the occasion.

Nuapada Bypoll on Nov 11
Notably, the November 11 Nuapada bypoll was necessitated by the demise of former BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. A total of 14 candidates are contesting the bypoll, including BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD nominee Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi.