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Jammu, Nov 7 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Friday said sage Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay strengthened the bond between Mother India and her sons and inspired the people for the country’s independence.
The Lieutenant Governor participated in the 150th year celebrations of Vande Mataram organized by the Culture Department.
LG Sinha paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and visited the exhibition on the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
He said that Sage Bankim Chandra had strengthened the bond between Mother Bharati and her sons and inspired the people to achieve freedom.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Our commitment and dedication to the motherland will lead our country to the destiny of a developed India. The young generation should remember that they are the heirs of this great civilization, and their contribution to the progress and prosperity of the society will be a true tribute to Mother India.”
Vande Mataram will complete 150 years in the year 2025.
Sinha said, “Our national song Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7, 1875. Vande Mataram was first printed in the literary magazine Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath.”
He said, “Invoking the motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, the song gave poetic expression to India’s awakened sense of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation.”
The ceremony saw mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram with participation of citizens from all sections of the society.
Among those present were MP Jugal Kishore Sharma; er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Atal Dullu, Chief Secretary; Chandrakar Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home; Bhim Sen Tooty, IGP Jammu; Brijmohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Apart from administrative secretaries, senior officers, heads of educational institutions, youth and prominent citizens.
Officials and people from across Jammu and Kashmir also participated in the UT-level commemorative event through virtual mode.
–IANS
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