Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in a way that honors its legacy. Addressing the nation on Sunday through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi called on Indians to embrace the song’s values and ensure they resonate through generations.
Modi shared plans for a series of programmes nationwide to commemorate this significant milestone. He highlighted that ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896, encapsulates the essence of India’s vibrant culture.
During his 30-minute address, Modi acknowledged various citizen-led initiatives that exemplify national pride and dedication. He spoke glowingly about the efforts to revive mangroves in Gujarat, establish Garbage Cafes in Chhattisgarh, and restore lakes in Bengaluru, showcasing the transformative impact of community-driven projects.
In a nod to national security, the Prime Minister praised the BSF and CRPF for introducing Indian dog breeds into their operations. He specifically mentioned breeds like Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, celebrating the recent success of a Mudhol Hound at an international competition.
“Our indigenous dogs have shown remarkable courage. Last year, during a patrol in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh, an Indian-bred CRPF dog detected 8 kg of explosives,” the Prime Minister highlighted.
Modi announced that these native breeds will participate in the upcoming parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, in celebration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary on October 31.
The Prime Minister also applauded the energetic farmers in Koraput, Odisha, who are cultivating coffee, noting its impact on local livelihoods, particularly for women. He remarked on the global admiration for Indian coffee, noting its rich diversity and origin from regions like Chikmagalur and Coorg.
“Indian coffee—from Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan, Nilgiris, Wayanad, and Malabar—is admired worldwide for its diversity and richness,” he stated.
Furthermore, Modi discussed how the realms of social media and digital culture have revitalized the ancient language of Sanskrit. He showcased the efforts of young creators like Yash Salunke, who teaches Sanskrit creatively through Instagram reels while engaging in everyday activities like playing cricket.
Sending greetings for Chhath Puja, he described the festival as a beautiful convergence of devotion, tradition, and social unity, urging all citizens to actively participate in the celebrations.
“The Mahaparva of Chhath reflects the deep unity between culture, nature, and society,” Modi remarked.
Referring to a national initiative, the Prime Minister noted that Operation Sindoor brings pride to communities that have historically faced challenges from Maoist violence.
“This time, lamps of joy were lit even in areas that had long remained under the shadow of Maoist violence,” he pointed out.
Remembering the bravery of tribal hero Komaram Bheem, Modi celebrated his pivotal role in fighting against the atrocities of the Nizam of Hyderabad, characterizing him as a symbol of resilience and courage.
He paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose birth anniversary on November 15 will be commemorated as Janajateeya Gaurav Diwas.
“Like Birsa Munda and Komaram Bheem, there are many other great luminaries in our tribal communities. I urge everyone to read about them and draw inspiration,” he concluded.
