Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu said that "Vande Mataram" is not merely a song or poetry; it is a part of India's history, heritage and national identity.
He said that over the past 150 years, the song has transcended boundaries of language, region, caste and creed and has emerged as a powerful expression of the sentiments and aspirations of the people of India.
Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu inaugurated the 'Namami Bharatam - Vande Mataram Mass Singing' programme organized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The programme was organized by Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan, New Delhi, in association with Vidya Mandir, Gandhigram, at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall, Agartala this morning.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu recalled the historic significance of Vande Mataram and said that when Sri Aurobindo described it as more than a song and as a sacred invocation, he gave expression to the deep emotions that inspired countless Indians during the freedom struggle.
The Governor said that during the last 150 years, Vande Mataram has evolved beyond the realm of a literary composition and become an enduring symbol of national awakening and patriotism. It inspired freedom fighters and gave them the courage to make sacrifices for the motherland. He said that the spirit of the song reached every part of the country, including the villages and communities of Tripura, becoming a source of inspiration for generations.
Governor Nallu also appreciated the contribution of Vidya Bharati Shiksha Samity, Tripura, towards education and value-based development of the younger generation. He said that Tripura is home to diverse communities, languages, cultures and traditions, and appreciated the organization for undertaking the responsibility of nurturing young minds with cultural values, national consciousness and a sense of service to the nation.
The Governor congratulated the teachers, volunteers, members and supporters associated with Vidya Mandir, Gandhigram, for their dedication and contribution towards education and social service. He said that educational institutions have an important role in shaping responsible citizens and strengthening the cultural and national consciousness of the younger generation. Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University Prof. Debabrata Das also spoke on the occasion.
The programme began with a welcome address delivered by Dhruba Mondal, Principal, Vidya Mandir, Gandhigram. The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Dr. Milan Rani Jamatia, President, Vidya Bharati, Tripura. Among those present on the occasion were Tandra Gan Chaudhury, President, Management Committee, Vidya Mandir, Gandhigram; Dr. Nilmoni Chakraborty, State Coordinator, Vidya Bharati, Tripura; and Subhas Ganchaudhuri, Secretary, Vidya Mandir, Gandhigram, along with teachers, students, members, volunteers and other dignitaries. The mass singing of Vande Mataram marked the central highlight of the programme, with participants coming together to commemorate 150 years of the song.