Gangtok, Nov 7: Sikkim commemorated 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, on Friday, celebrating its role as a symbol of freedom, unity, and devotion to the Motherland. The event was organized by the Culture Department in collaboration with the Home Department.

The programme marked the launch of a year-long nationwide celebration from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, honoring Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1875 composition that inspired India’s freedom movement.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur, the Chief Guest, inaugurated the Vande Mataram Exhibition and led the gathering in a pledge to uphold unity and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined virtually from New Delhi, describing Vande Mataram as a mantra of national unity that continues to inspire generations.

Speaking at the event, the Governor highlighted the song’s significance in India’s freedom struggle and paid tribute to Sikkim’s freedom fighters Trilochan Pokhrel and Helen Lepcha. Culture Minister GT Dhungel noted that the 150th anniversary also acknowledges the later stanzas of the song, which express compassion and devotion.

The programme featured a mass rendition of Vande Mataram by students of Modern Senior Secondary School and Culture Department artists, a patriotic song by students of West Point Senior Secondary School, and dance performances by Culture Department artists and Tapashree Dance Academy. Dr Rajen Upadhyaya of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College delivered a talk on the historical and cultural significance of the song.

A photography exhibition titled Vande Mataram: Clarion Call for India’s Freedom Struggle, presented by the Information and Public Relations Department, highlighted the song’s history. The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, ministers, MPs, senior officials, teachers, students, and government staff. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Culture Department Secretary Basant Kumar Lama, followed by the National Anthem.