A wave of cultural fervour swept through Indian missions worldwide as the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was marked with mass recitations, community performances and diaspora-led gatherings. The commemorations echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to celebrate the national song’s enduring legacy, first articulated at the launch of year-long observances earlier this week.
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and included in his novel Anandamath, Vande Mataram shaped the emotional and political vocabulary of India’s freedom struggle. Its resonance, missions noted, continues to unify citizens across continents—an ethos reflected in events from Washington to Wellington.
In Washington, the Embassy of India organised a group rendition on 7 November led by students from the Indian diaspora. Officials described the gathering as an affirmation of cultural identity among second- and third-generation youth.
At Ottawa, High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik joined members of the diaspora in singing the national song during an event that also included an Odissi performance. “As we honour this immortal ode, we reaffirm our resolve towards a confident, self-reliant and resurgent Viksit Bharat 2047,” the High Commission posted online.
Also read: Important stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ dropped in 1937: PM Modi
Across the Gulf, the Embassy in Doha held a mass recitation presided over by Ambassador Vipul, who called the event a “timeless tribute to the spirit of patriotism and unity that binds our nation”. In Riyadh, Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan joined the Indian community in singing the song, adding that he felt “proud” to pay homage to the motherland.
In Australia, the High Commission’s event in Perth witnessed participation from the all-women crew of the Tri-service expedition Samudra Pradakshina on board IASV Triveni. “The collective recitation was joined by the all-women crew… a stirring tribute to India’s spirit, unity and Nari Shakti across the seas,” the mission said.
London too saw officials gather for a community rendition, describing it as a tribute to a “timeless ode to our motherland that continues to inspire unity, pride, and love for India”. Missions in Nepal, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Dubai, Singapore and South Africa hosted similar events.
The national song was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950, granting it an enduring place in India’s constitutional framework. Referring to its relevance, Modi said Vande Mataram “connects us to our history and gives our future new courage”. Making an apparent reference to Operation Sindoor, he added: “When the enemy dared to attack our security and honour using terrorism, the world saw that India knows how to take the form of Durga.”
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