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Chennai, Nov 6 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad has urged the people of the state to join the nationwide celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram on November 7, following the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Emphasizing the song’s enduring role as a symbol of unity and patriotism, Prasad appealed to citizens, students and families across Tamil Nadu to sing Vande Mataram together, celebrating this historic occasion with pride and devotion.
In a major initiative, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Modi has resolved to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the national song of India, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, through a series of programs across the country.
The Central Government has appealed to every home, school and institution to participate in the collective singing of Vande Mataram symbolizing the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on October 30, PM Modi recalled how Rabindranath Tagore first presented the song in 1896 and described it as “a sacred mantra of national pride that has inspired generations”.
He said, “Though this song was written in the 19th century, it is deeply connected to the millennium-old spirit of Indian civilization. It gives strength and unity to 140 crore Indians and awakens love for Mother India in every heart.”
As part of the celebrations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a nationwide campaign under the leadership of its national president JP Nadda from November 7 to November 26, culminating on Constitution Day. The party will organize cultural programmes, youth festivals, exhibitions of indigenous products and art and literary competitions to honor India’s constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Speaking about the role of Tamil Nadu, Prasad said the state should take the lead in celebrating the event in line with its glorious heritage in the freedom struggle. “Let every home, school and office in Tamil Nadu resonate with Vande Mataram. The school education department should actively involve students and youth in these celebrations,” he urged.
The BJP leader called on Chief Minister MK Stalin to issue guidance to all state departments to facilitate wider participation to ensure that the patriotic fervor reaches every citizen. He said, “This festival belongs to the nation and not to any political party. All social, cultural and community organizations should unite to make the voice of Tamil Nadu echo in the national anthem of Vande Mataram.”
Highlighting the contribution of Tamil Nadu’s independence icons – Subramaniam Bharati, VO Chidambaram Pillai, Subramaniam Siva, Tiruppur Kumaran, Vanchinathan and Anjalai Ammal, Prasad said their unwavering devotion to Vande Mataram made it a rallying cry for independence. He said, “The great poet Bharati rose above caste, religion and politics and declared, ‘We salute our great motherland and say Vande Mataram.’ “That legacy should continue today.”
“Let November 7 be a day when homes, schools and institutions of Tamil Nadu resonate with this immortal song,” Prasad said. He urged every citizen to participate happily with family and friends and share the celebration on social media.
He said, “Vande Mataram is not just a song – it is the soul of our nation, binding generations in love and unity.”
–IANS
AL/DPB