Chandigarh, March 24, 2026:As part of the nationwide commemoration of 150 years of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration organized a programme at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38, Chandigarh. Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The 150-year commemoration of the national song, being celebrated across the country under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026, includes a special phase dedicated to ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ from March 23 to 30, 2026. This phase honours the supreme sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

Marking the occasion, Chandigarh Administration paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, reaffirming the spirit of patriotism and the enduring legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The programme commenced with floral tributes to the freedom fighters, followed by a soulful rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by students. A short film highlighting the history and significance of the national song was also screened, showcasing the vision of Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who portrayed Bharat as a divine mother embodying strength, devotion, and national consciousness. The program also included mesmerising patriotic songs and a play dedicated to Shaheedi Diwas.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad stated that the ongoing commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ is a significant occasion to remember and honour the supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters, to whom the nation owes its present freedom and peace. He observed that while the present generation has largely known the freedom struggle through books and narratives, such year-long celebrations provide an opportunity to truly imbibe the spirit of patriotism that inspired great heroes like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Mangal Pandey, Tantya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. He further emphasized that citizens must perform their duties with dedication and contribute collectively towards realizing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Present during the occasion were Sh. Sorabh Arora, Director, Cultural Affairs; Shri Bheem Malhotra, Chairman, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi; Smt. Sukhminder Kaur Brar, Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi and other officials of the Chandigarh Administration.

Citizens are invited to participate in the celebration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ by registering on the official portal vandemataram150.in from March 23 to March 31, 2026. Participants can upload a video of their rendition of the national song or share a selfie as part of this nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Culture, commemorating its creation in 1875. Digital certificates will be awarded upon successful submission.