Vande Mataram inspires national unity, vision of Viksit Bharat: Kishan Reddy

Hyderabad:  Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said here on Saturday that Vande Mataram is not merely a song, but the embodiment of sacrifice, patriotism and national unity that infused life into India’s freedom struggle. He was speaking after inaugurating, as the Chief Guest, a special photo exhibition organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) at Vivek Vardhini Educational Institutions to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram and convey the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through rare photographs.

Addressing the gathering at V.V. College, the Minister said that the slogan Vande Mataram symbolises the self-respect of Indians and reflects their zeal and sacrifices during the freedom movement. He recalled that the song Vande Mataram, composed nearly 150 years ago by the great poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, reflects the grandeur of Bharat Mata, its spiritual glory and rich cultural heritage.

He noted that Vande Mataram served as a unifying force against the British policy of “divide and rule,” fostering the idea of “Nation First” by transcending divisions of caste, religion and region. From the Bengal Partition Movement of 1905 to the Quit India Movement of 1942, the slogan reverberated through every phase of India’s freedom struggle.

He further said that Hyderabad would forever remain indebted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for ensuring that the Tricolour unfurled proudly on the soil of Hyderabad 13 months after Independence. Recalling history, the Minister said that the Vande Mataram movement launched in 1938 in the then Hyderabad State was banned by the Nizam’s government, and strict action was taken against students who sang Vande Mataram. Many students and intellectuals made immense sacrifices during that movement, he added.

Shri Kishan Reddy described Hyderabad’s history as a source of pride, recalling how various social and national organisations united beyond political differences to wage a collective struggle against Nizam rule under the banner of Vande Mataram. Marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, he called upon all citizens to participate actively in nation-building and the creation of a Viksit Bharat.

In her inaugural address, Smt. Shruti Patil, Additional Director General of CBC & PIB, highlighted the enduring significance of Vande Mataram and its crucial role in shaping India’s national identity. She noted that the spirit of these words extends beyond history, inspiring generations and fostering a strong sense of patriotism throughout the country.

Quoting from a recent address by Narendra Modi in Parliament, she emphasised India’s resilience and inner strength, asserting that Vande Mataram embodies the nation’s capacity to overcome challenges. Marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram’s journey, she mentioned that the Central Bureau of Communication, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has launched this initiative to celebrate the song’s remarkable legacy. The effort, she explained, aims to rekindle national pride, deepen appreciation for the motherland’s beauty, and help citizens reconnect emotionally and culturally with India.

The special exhibition, featuring rare photographs commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram along with the message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, will remain open to the public till 31 December 2025. For visitors, an interactive online quiz has been arranged, with certificates instantly sent to eligible participants via email, mobile or QR code. To attract youth, a digital selfie kiosk and designated selfie points have also been set up at the venue.

Among those present at the programme are Rakesh Jaiswal, corporator, Jambagh division, Nagesh V Rao, Joint Secretary, VVES; D Vidyadhar, Principal, VV College, and others.