Railways Ministry Celebrates 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Nationwide Events

New Delhi, November 7 The Ministry of Railways celebrated the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, with events across the country on Friday. The main ceremony took place at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, led by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior Railway Board officials. The celebration began with a collective singing of Vande Mataram, which was held simultaneously across all railway zones and divisions. The event was connected live with the Ministry of Culture’s central commemoration. After the rendition, participants listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address marking the historic occasion. Minister Vaishnaw, speaking at the central event, described Vande Mataram as a timeless symbol of India’s national spirit and unity. He said the song had inspired generations and continues to reflect India’s collective pride and patriotism even after 150 years. Across the country, railway officials and staff held similar gatherings. At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Central Railway organized a special programme attended by General Manager Vijay Kumar. South Central Railway officials in Secunderabad, led by General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, joined the national singing at Rail Nilayam. Northern Railway staff also held a ceremony at the Chief Public Relations Office to mark the day. The year 2025 marks 150 years since Bankimchandra Chatterjee composed Vande Mataram, first published in his novel Anandamath. The song played a major role in uniting people during India’s struggle for independence, becoming a rallying cry for freedom and courage. The Ministry of Railways’ nationwide observance aimed to honour this legacy and remind citizens of the enduring message of Vande Mataram—a call to love and serve the nation. The programmes showcased the deep emotional connection Indians continue to share with the song, reinforcing its importance in the country’s cultural and patriotic identity. Through these celebrations, the Railways joined the Ministry of Culture and other departments in paying tribute to a century and a half of India’s national pride. The events not only honoured the historical value of Vande Mataram but also celebrated the unbroken thread of unity, respect, and devotion that ties the people of India together across generations. Railways Ministry Celebrates 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Nationwide Events India’s Ministry of Railways celebrated 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram with pride and unity across the country. The main event was held at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, where officials joined in a collective singing of the iconic song. The event was streamed live with the Ministry of Culture’s central celebration, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address marking the occasion. Minister Vaishnaw said Vande Mataram has been the voice of India’s soul for 150 years, inspiring generations through its message of love and devotion to the motherland. From Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad and offices in Delhi, railway staff came together to honour the song that fueled India’s freedom struggle and still strengthens national pride today. Composed by Bankimchandra Chatterjee in 1875, Vande Mataram remains a timeless symbol of unity and patriotism. The celebrations reminded everyone that the spirit of India lives on in the words that once stirred a nation to rise and believe in freedom.