Vande Mataram Completes 150 Glorious Years – State-Level Celebration held in Ambala

Chief Minister Calls ‘Vande Mataram’ the Soul of the Nation; Urges Citizens to take Five Pledges for a Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses nation from New Delhi, Inaugurates 150 Years of “Vande Mataram”; Live Address Telecasted during State-Level Ceremony

Chandigarh, November 7, 2025 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Vande Mataram is not just a song but the heartbeat, identity, and soul of India. He was addressing the gathering at the state-level celebration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, organized in Ambala on Friday. He expressed pride in participating in this historic event and congratulated the people of Haryana on completing 150 years of the song Vande Mataram. He said that the song symbolizes India’s eternal spirit, nationalism, and unity.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi addressed the nation from New Delhi on the occasion of the inaugural ceremony commemorating 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram. He also inaugurated a year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram by releasing a commemorative stamp and a coin. The live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address from New Delhi, was also shown during the state-level ceremony. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries listened to his inspiring message that celebrated the unity, sacrifice, and patriotism symbolized by Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram is the heartbeat of Bharat – CM

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Vande Mataram is not merely a patriotic hymn but a rising force that infused new life into India’s struggle for freedom. It embodies the Sanatan vision that views the motherland as a divine mother. The song connects every Indian with the values of duty, dignity, discipline, and sacrifice. He added that the song became a clarion call of courage and self-respect, it shook the British Empire and awakened the spirit of revolution among the youth. The British feared this song because, though it was not a weapon, it possessed power millions of times greater than weapons, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the essence of Vande Mataram lies in India’s nature and culture as it carries the murmur of our rivers, the greenery of our fields, and the pride of our land. It echoes in the austerity of Shivratri, in the joy of Baisakhi, in the colours of Holi, and in the lights of Diwali. It is also the sacred mantra of unity, he added.

Tracing 150 Years of a National Awakening

Recounting the song’s history, the Chief Minister said Vande Mataram was composed in 1875 by Sh. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and its famous public recitation was done by Sh. Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 in Kolkata. By 1905, during the movement against the partition of Bengal, the poem had been set to the classical raga Desh Malhar and became a marching anthem of inspiration. During national protests, Vande Mataram emerged as a powerful medium of nationalism, unity, and resistance against British rule. Its impact was so strong that the British government banned singing it, shared Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister said that the song united people of all castes, religions, communities, and regions in one spirit, strengthening the idea of “unity in diversity” and inspiring millions to join the freedom struggle.

Ambala – The Land where the first spark of the 1857 uprising was ignited

The Chief Minister recalled that the spark of the first war of independence in 1857 ignited from Ambala’s sacred soil. This land has not only written but lived the history of valour, he said, adding that the state government has built a Shaheedi Smarak in Ambala Cantonment in honour of those brave heroes.

CM Condemns Opposition to the National Song

The Chief Minister strongly criticized those who object to Vande Mataram. He said they fail to understand India’s culture, soul, and national pride. Recalling history, he shared that in 1923, during the Congress session in Kakinada, Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar was invited to sing Vande Mataram, but Congress President Maulana Mohammad Ali objected on religious grounds. Later, in 1937, the Congress Working Committee formally decided to replace the national song to appease the Muslim League leaders.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, even after independence, on several occasions, Congress and its leaders have displayed disagreement with Vande Mataram. He cited recent examples, in 2017, AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi demanded the withdrawal of a circular mandating the singing of Vande Mataram in schools. In Telangana, the Congress government recently declared that singing the song would not be compulsory, and in 2019, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh banned Vande Mataram in the state secretariat, he said. These people must understand that Vande Mataram is not a controversy, it is the sacred offering of Mother India. It is the song of those who walk the path of patriotism, not appeasement. Vande Mataram is our identity, asserted the Chief Minister.

A Song that Awakened a Nation

The Chief Minister said Vande Mataram awakened India’s self-respect and transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, and thousands of martyrs went to the gallows singing this song. Lakhs of freedom fighters endured torture in prisons chanting it, and the caravan of freedom moved forward, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further added that during the Quit India Movement of 1942 led by Mahatma Gandhi, Vande Mataram was the mantra of patriotism and freedom. Slogans like Vande Mataram, Inquilab Zindabad, and Jai Hind echoed across the nation, inspiring Indians to resist British oppression until independence was achieved on August 15, 1947.

Vande Mataram – Declared National Song in 1950

The Chief Minister recalled that after independence, India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad accorded Vande Mataram the status of the National Song in 1950. He said that a nation’s progress depends on the love of its people for their motherland. He emphasized that the essence of Vande Mataram remains as relevant today as during the freedom movement. To strengthen the spirit of unity and integrity, we must keep the flame of Vande Mataram forever burning, he said.

Five Pledges for Every Citizen On this historic occasion, the Chief Minister urged every citizen of Haryana to take five pledges to give true meaning to the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram. He said the first pledge should be “Nation First”, placing the country above all in every action. The second pledge is “No Appeasement”, emphasizing a firm commitment to inclusive and balanced development. The third pledge calls for “Justice and Opportunity for All”, ensuring respect, equality, and dignity for the last person in society. The fourth pledge focuses on “Swadeshi and Innovation”, encouraging a rapid journey toward self-reliance and indigenous creativity. The fifth and final pledge is “Zero Tolerance for Anti-National Forces”, reaffirming an unwavering stand against any element that threatens national unity and integrity. He said that when these five pledges become part of every citizen’s life, the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram will achieve its complete and true purpose.

Notably, the Chief Minister also administered a ‘swadeshi' pledge to the attendees. He also visited an exhibition set up by the Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department related to the song Vande Mataram during the programme.

Pledge to Build a Developed Nation

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini called upon everyone to take a pledge to make India a developed nation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. Extending greetings once again on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Chief Minister paid homage to all known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom and its protection. Vande Mataram is the soul of our nation, our pride, our identity, he said.

Pt. Subhash Ghosh Mesmerizes Audience with Soulful Rendition of Vande Mataram

During the function, renowned Indian classical musician Pt. Subhash Ghosh mesmerized the audience with his soulful rendition of the iconic song Vande Mataram. His melodious performance filled the venue with patriotic fervor and emotional resonance. Adding to the spirit of the occasion, the Haryana Police also sang a series of patriotic songs, energizing the atmosphere with their powerful music. School students further enhanced the celebration with their vibrant patriotic performances, expressing love and pride for the nation through inspiring songs and dances.

On this occasion, BJP State Vice President Smt. Banto Kataria, Deputy Commissioner Ambala, Sh. Ajay Singh Tomer, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal and other dignitaries were also present.

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‘Vande Mataram’ Completes 150 Years

Chief Secretary Rastogi Calls It the Soul of India’s National Character

Chandigarh, November 7 – The 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' was commemorated with dignity and patriotic fervor across Haryana today. Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Rastogi graced the event at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh as the chief guest, highlighting the song's enduring significance for the nation.

In his address, Mr. Rastogi reflected on India’s struggle for independence, stating that immense pain was endured under foreign rule, and that the first fight for freedom in 1857 ignited a spirit that 'Vande Mataram' helped nurture into a national movement. He emphasized that music and songs have long been a part of India’s cultural tradition, with 'Vande Mataram' remaining a beacon of patriotic inspiration. The Chief Secretary remarked that this immortal song gave voice to national consciousness, united people against oppression, and shaped the freedom struggle.

Mr. Rastogi further stated that 'Vande Mataram' is not just a song—it is the soul of India's national character and an act of devotion to Mother India. He urged officials and citizens to remember the country’s glorious history and invaluable heritage, and to follow the ideals put forth by great leaders and freedom fighters.

The event also featured an exhibition dedicated to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the author of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing milestones from his life. Chief Secretary encouraged all in attendance to visit the exhibition and draw inspiration. He led the collective singing of the national song in Hindi, along with school children who performed stirring renditions of patriotic songs.

The program began with the Chief Secretary and senior officers lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering flowers to Bharat Mata. Officers , employees, and CISF officers joined in the singing of 'Vande Mataram' and also performed the state song 'Jai Jai Jai Haryana' to mark the occasion.

Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Mr. K. Makarand Pandurang, welcomed the Chief Secretary and presented him with a commemorative picture of 'Vande Mataram'.

Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department, Dr. Sumita Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Mr. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning Department, Mr. Apoorv Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, Director General of Police, Mr. O.P. Singh, Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Mr. Shyamal Mishra, Commissioner and Secretary, Housing for All Department, Mr. Mohammad Shayin, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department, Mr. Rajnikanthan, Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Mr. P.C. Meena, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Mr. Navdeep Singh Virk, Principal Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Mrs. Kala Ramachandran, Special Secretary, Personnel, Training and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Director, Women and Child Development Department, Mrs. Priyanka Soni, Additional Secretary, Secretariat Establishment, Mr. Samvartak Singh Khangwal, along with Haryana Civil Secretariat employees and CISF officers and jawans were also present.

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Haryana strengthens healthcare Infrastructure

SHPPC approves major medical equipment and life-saving drugs: Health Minister Arti Rao

Chandigarh November 7- The Special High-Powered Purchase Committee (SHPPC) in a recent meeting held under the Chairpersonship of Health Minister, Ms. Arti Rao, approved several key Rate Contracts aimed at strengthening healthcare services and infrastructure across the State of Haryana.

Health Minister, Ms. Arti Rao said that the Committee finalized Rate Contracts for 87 Defibrillators (Bi-phasic) for all Civil Hospitals, amounting to Rs.4.64 crore, 40 Mobile X-Ray Machines (150 mA), amounting to Rs.1.01 crore, 11 Video Bronchoscopes worth Rs.4 crore, and Advanced GI Video Endoscopy Systems, amounting to Rs.7.19 crore.

She said that it also approved the selection of a service provider for the operation and management of 30 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs) in Gurugram District at a cost of Rs.26.20 crore, 9 Automatic Slide Stainers for Histopathology Departments worth Rs.1.60 crore, 4 Mobile Dental Vans amounting to Rs. 2.20 crore, 70 ABG Benchtop Machines for Laboratory Departments amounting to Rs. 1.47 crore, 15 High-End Operating Microscopes (Eye) for Ophthalmology Departments worth Rs.3.94 crore, and 40 Truenat Machines for testing of TB patients amounting to Rs. 6 crore, she added.

The Health Minister further said that in addition to equipment procurement, the SHPPC also approved 44 essential and life-saving drugs valued at approximately Rs. 60 crore for finalization under the two-year Rate Contract. Besides this, the approved list covers antibiotics, antihypertensives, insulin preparations, emergency medicines, and other essential formulations that form the backbone of patient care in government health facilities.

She said that these approvals will ensure the timely availability of quality-assured medicines at all levels of the public health system — from primary health centres to district and tertiary hospitals. By securing Rate Contracts for both modern equipment and critical drugs, the Haryana Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services to every citizen.

The approved items will be supplied shortly to government hospitals across the state, further strengthening patient care delivery and supporting key national and state health programmes.

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Providing an Easy Mode of Travel in Urban Areas is the Main Objective of the Conference: Manohar Lal

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal inaugurates the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition in Gurugram

Minister announces three major initiatives to enhance urban connectivity and public convenience

Plans to discuss the establishment of a state-of-the-art convention center in Gurugram with the Chief Minister

Chandigarh, Nov 7 - Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Energy, Mr. Manohar Lal said that the primary objective of the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition is to enhance transportation systems and services to ensure accessibility in urban areas. The conference, held under the theme “Easy Mode of Travelling,” aims to generate policy-based recommendations that will bring positive changes to urban development and improve public services.

The Union Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the three-day conference and exhibition in Gurugram on Friday. He also inaugurated and reviewed the developmental exhibition showcasing advancements in urban development and mobility.

New Announcements for Urban Development Initiatives

Mr. Manohar Lal, through his ministry, made three major announcements aimed at enhancing public convenience and developing robust urban infrastructure. He stated that the implementation of these initiatives would mark the beginning of a new phase of development. He announced the establishment of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), which will work towards expanding the metro network beyond India to other countries. A Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) will also be developed in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to strengthen metro interconnectivity and ensure safe, reliable transportation facilities and services for the public, in line with stringent safety and cybersecurity standards. To improve the quality of metro services and promote innovation, the Ministry of Urban Development will set up the Delhi Metro Rail Academy. This establishment will accelerate capacity building, and with the establishment of a Center of Excellence, this center will provide a new direction to metro services through innovative approaches. He said that while the national capital already has several large convention centers, Gurugram, as one of the country’s major cities, also needs a similar facility. In this context, he will discuss with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and work towards building a convention center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

India’s Global Progress

Mr. Manohar Lal highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing rapidly toward self-reliance. He said that integrating transport networks will help position India as a developed nation by 2047, in line with the Make in India initiative. He further said that urban transformation is being carried out in alignment with evolving public needs, with a strong focus on sustainable and efficient urban transportation. India currently ranks third globally in metro service coverage, and within the next three years, it is expected to surpass the United States to become one of the leading nations in metro infrastructure. The Minister added that the Central Government is committed to adopting new technologies for public services, and through platforms like the Urban Mobility India Conference, the government will continue collaborating with experts to implement innovative, future-ready solutions for urban mobility.

The Country’s Urban Future is Being Reshaped with a New Vision - Tokhan Sahu

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Tokhan Sahu, stated that the conference marks a significant step toward achieving India’s developmental goals for 2047. Addressing the gathering, he said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country’s urban future is being shaped with new thinking, new energy, and renewed commitment. He added that this conference embodies both India’s rich cultural heritage and its strong resolve for progress. He said that India is currently undergoing a transformative era of infrastructure development, where urban transport has evolved beyond being merely a means of mobility—it has become a driving force for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

He emphasized that this year’s conference focuses on the vital interconnection between urban development and transportation, recognizing that a dynamic and inclusive transport system ensures citizens’ easy access to education, healthcare, employment, and essential services. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr. Sahu highlighted, initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Mission AMRUT, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), metro rail expansion, electric bus services, public bicycle systems, and transit-oriented development have together given a new direction to urban mobility in India. Our goal, he said, is to build a transportation system that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and responsive to the needs of every section of society.

Haryana Demonstrates Outstanding Progress in Urban Mobility

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana ACS Dr. Raja Shekhar Vundru stated that the state is setting an exemplary benchmark in the field of urban mobility, serving as a model for other states to follow. Highlighting the importance of the conference, Dr. Vundru said that it provides a powerful platform for collaboration among the government, industry, academia, and citizens. It is a space where we can come together to share new ideas, innovations, and creative solutions.. He added that such efforts go beyond mere infrastructure development—they drive results-oriented growth, enhanced connectivity, and the transformation we envision, where cities become affordable, accessible, and livable. The cities we shape today will define the India of tomorrow.

Union Minister Leads Mass Singing of Vande Mataram on Its 150th Anniversary

To mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal led the gathering in a collective rendition of the song. He stated that Vande Mataram is not merely a song, but the soul of India’s freedom movement. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song became a mantra that ignited enthusiasm, self-confidence, and self-respect in the hearts of Indians during the struggle for independence. Shri Manohar Lal added that the song united the nation and continues to inspire a spirit of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the motherland even today.

During the event, the Union Minister also released three significant publications- Guidelines for Issuing Municipal Green Bonds in India, Edition 5 of The Green Urban Mobility Partnership Newsletter and Guidance Document on Building Resilient E-Bus Ecosystems.

The event was graced by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Dr. Chandra Shekhar Khare, Managing Director, Gurugram Metro Rail Limited; along with several senior officials, mayors, and representatives from urban local bodies across the country

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Shri Devi Talab: More Than a Temple, the Heart of Our Faith and Traditions – Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Kar Seva Reflects Our Rich Sikh and Sanatan Traditions of Service

Punjab and Haryana United by Shared Culture and Glorious History

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Inaugurates Kar Seva at Shri Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar

Chandigarh, November 7 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the sacred Shri Devi Talab in Jalandhar is not merely a temple, it is the heart of our faith, culture, and glorious traditions. The Kar Seva of the sacred lake is not just about removing soil or deepening the water body, it is a living testament to our rich Sikh and Sanatan traditions of service, dedication, and community.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while addressing volunteers at the inauguration ceremony of the Kar Seva at Shri Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Restoring the Lake to Its Pristine Purity

He said that restoring the lake to its original purity is our foremost goal. The restoration and purification of this sacred lake is a true service to God, reminding us of our responsibilities towards humanity. Punjab and Haryana share not only a common culture and glorious history but also spiritual and blood ties, he said.

Service Is the Greatest Religion

Nayab Singh Saini highlighted that Kar Seva teaches us that there is no greater religion than service. He urged the youth to participate wholeheartedly in this Kar Seva, stating that such voluntary work reconnects them to their roots and instills a sense of collective responsibility. The sacred task we undertake today is not merely cleaning a lake; it is an act of reverence for Mother Earth and our invaluable water resources, he added.

Purity of Water as the Supreme Being

The Chief Minister said that water is life, and the purity of water represents the supreme being of life. Our ancestors revered nature—rivers, mountains, trees, and water—as divine. Today, as the world faces climate change and environmental challenges, this Kar Seva reminds us that solutions lie not in distant laboratories, but in our own traditions and collective service.

Youth: Drivers of Voluntary Service, Awareness, and Innovation

He further stated that youth are the future of the nation, possessing unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and technical expertise. He encouraged them to contribute through voluntary labour, awareness campaigns, and innovative ideas. The spiritual peace and pride gained through such engagement cannot be achieved otherwise. Embrace the role of digital volunteers to spread awareness and bring modern thinking to this ancient pilgrimage site, he said.

Kar Seva as a Symbol of Dedication and Unity

He told the people of Jalandhar that the lake is an integral part of the city’s identity. Once the Kar Seva is completed, the real responsibility begins. Ensure the lake’s cleanliness is maintained daily. Prevent the disposal of puja materials or other waste into the lake. With the cooperation of the temple committee and local community, establish strict rules to uphold its sanctity and ensure compliance. Let this Kar Seva not remain just a project, but become an example of dedication and unity. This lake should be so grand and sacred that it inspires devotees from across the globe, he added.