Hyderabad Echoes With Chorus Of Vande Mataram
Hyderabad: As Hyderabad reverberated with renditions of Vande Mataram on Friday, schools, colleges and police agencies across the city paused together to celebrate 150 years of the national song. The anniversary was celebrated as a ritual of civic pride and remembrance that united citizens in a common expression of patriotism.
At Mahbubia Girls’ High School in Abids, around 10 am, the choir was joined by a large gathering and ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Jupally Krishna Rao sang along with the students.
Prabhakar said, “Vande Mataram inspired generations during the freedom movement. By singing collectively, we strengthen our resolve and work towards our goals.” School education director Naveen Nicolas, Hyderabad collector Dasari Harichandan and language and culture director Narasimha Reddy were also present.
Schools in the city followed a similar path. B. Srinivas Rao, principal of Government Primary and High School, Malakpet, led 200 students and 10 staff members in the morning presentation. The program started with the explanation of the origin of the song and its author, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Teacher Anita said, “We were proud to be a part of this event. It was the first time we sang the song in such a choir.” “Students were excited to learn the meaning and history of this word.”
The celebration left its mark on history. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Vande Mataram in 1875 and later included it in his 1882 novel Anandamath. Rabindranath Tagore first sang this song publicly at the Calcutta Congress session of 1896, after which the Indian National Congress adopted it as the national song in 1937. The Constituent Assembly reaffirmed the song’s status in 1950. The 150-year period marks not only an anniversary, but also an enduring link between the country’s literary heritage and the struggle for freedom.
Nizam College has added an academic dimension through its NCC unit, where students perform patriotic songs and give speeches about the historical and cultural significance of the song. Principal AV Rajashekhar called the occasion “a reminder of the sacrifices of the past and the responsibility that today’s youth bear in shaping India’s future”.
Police celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram
Staff at the office of the Director General of Police on Friday marked the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram with a spirited collective rendition, celebrating its enduring legacy as a unifying call to patriotism. At the meeting, a moment of silence was paid to the role of the song in inspiring the freedom struggle and the song’s timeless message of national unity was reminded.
Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar attended the city police celebrations at the commissioner’s office and reflected on the emotional power of the song. “Vande Mataram united the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari during the freedom movement. He transformed ordinary citizens into independence fighters,” Sajjanar said.
Cyberabad police commissioner also organized a mass surrender ceremony at CAR Headquarters Parade under the supervision of ADCP J.Sk. Shameer in the presence of police personnel from all stations in the district. Senior officers emphasized the song’s role in the independence movement and its continuing importance in strengthening national unity and pride.
Kishan hails Vande Mataram as symbol of unity
The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was celebrated with patriotic fervor at a special event near Hanuman Vyayamshala, highlighting the important role of the song in bringing millions together during India’s freedom movement. The meeting paid tribute to writer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and recalled how his composition had become a call that transcended religion and region, fueling resistance against colonial rule.
Addressing the audience, Union minister G. Kishan Reddy said Vande Mataram was “not just a song but a sacred symbol of India’s pride and unity”. He recalled the courage of freedom fighters like Alluri Seetarama Raju and other regional heroes who drew strength from their words. Reddy urged the youth to preserve the song’s legacy and said it inspired the country’s fight against both British oppression and the Nizam’s rule in Hyderabad.
BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao congratulated the citizens on this milestone, describing Vande Mataram as the “light of India’s freedom struggle”. He called on students and young citizens to keep the spirit of resilience alive.
BJP Rajya Sabha member Dr K. Laxman, national vice-president DK Aruna and several senior party leaders attended the event. The audience also watched PM Modi’s virtual message on the occasion. Speakers urged the public to participate in a year-long national celebration honoring the martyrs and the unifying ideals embodied by Vande Mataram.
SCR commemorates Vande Mataram
To commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, Indian Railways has launched year-round celebrations in which employees across all regions participate in a simultaneous rendition of the national song.
At Secunderabad Railway Nilayam, South Central Railway general manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava along with senior officers and staff attended the commemoration ceremony in a patriotic atmosphere.
The initiative honors the literary contribution of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and reaffirms the values of unity, sacrifice and devotion to the motherland. Celebrations will continue throughout the year, reflecting the song’s enduring power to inspire collective pride and national spirit, officials said.
