Navi Mumbai Resonates with ‘Vande Mataram’, 3,000 Students Unite in Panvel to Celebrate 150 Years of India’s National Pride

Navi Mumbai came alive with patriotic fervour as over 3,000 students joined in a grand celebration marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ at K.A. Bantia School grounds in Panvel. Organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as part of a nationwide initiative, the event echoed with emotion, unity, and a renewed sense of national pride. The celebration served as both a tribute to India’s timeless cultural identity and a reminder of the song’s enduring legacy as a unifying force across generations.

The gathering, attended by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, actor and nationalist thinker Sharad Ponkshe, and MLA Prashant Thakur, became a vibrant testament to India’s collective spirit of patriotism. The event saw students, teachers, and citizens come together to sing the national song in unison, creating a moving moment of shared reverence for the Motherland.

Remembering 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’

The event at Panvel marked a historic milestone, celebrating 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee penned ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1875. The song, which became a rallying anthem during India’s freedom movement, was first sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the Indian National Congress session in 1896 and was later adopted as the national song that same year.

During the anti-partition movement in Bengal in 1905, ‘Vande Mataram’ transformed into a cry for resistance and national unity. Despite the British government’s attempts to ban it, the hymn continued to inspire countless revolutionaries, symbolizing the moral and emotional strength of India’s struggle for independence.

At the Panvel celebration, the song’s historical journey was revisited with passion and pride, reinforcing how it continues to connect modern India to its rich cultural and spiritual roots.
 

A Grand Celebration in Panvel

The Panvel event was not just a commemoration but a living expression of patriotism. Over 3,000 students from various schools across Navi Mumbai participated in a mass chorus that filled the air with emotion and pride. Their voices echoed the same spirit that once stirred freedom fighters more than a century ago.

The grounds of K.A. Bantia School were decorated with the tricolour, national symbols, and artistic representations of India’s journey from colonial resistance to modern democracy. The event opened with cultural performances and recitations that traced the evolution of the song from its literary origins to its national importance.

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who presided over the event, lauded the enthusiasm of the young participants. “This celebration was organized to strengthen pride in our Motherland and carry forward the inspiration of ‘Vande Mataram’ to the next generation. The patriotic spirit witnessed here is deeply inspiring,” he said.
 

Voices of Reflection and Unity

Actor and thinker Sharad Ponkshe delivered a compelling address that resonated deeply with the audience. Reflecting on the song’s essence, he said, “‘Vande Mataram’ is not tied to any religion. It is a soulful salute to our land and culture, a symbol of national unity and self-respect.” Ponkshe emphasized that the hymn transcends divisions, reminding Indians of their shared identity rooted in respect, courage, and love for the nation.

MLA Prashant Thakur also highlighted the importance of preserving this national legacy. “Vande Mataram is a legacy of pride and unity. It must reach every citizen and every generation. I thank all students, institutions, and citizens who made this historic event a grand success,” he said.

Their words captured the event’s essence, a moment where pride in history intertwined with a vision for a united, self-reliant future.

The Enduring Power of ‘Vande Mataram

‘Vande Mataram’ has always been more than just a song. It is the heartbeat of India’s identity, a spiritual and emotional anchor that ties the nation’s past to its present. For 150 years, it has transcended barriers of language, religion, and region, uniting Indians under one anthem of reverence for the Motherland.

Its message remains timeless, celebrating the soul of India, its resilience, diversity, and devotion. As the chorus of 3,000 voices rose in Panvel, it was not merely a performance but a reaffirmation of a promise, to protect and cherish the ideals that built the nation.

The Panvel celebration stood out as a vibrant reminder of what ‘Vande Mataram’ truly represents, not just an echo of history but a call to nurture patriotism with purpose.

A Celebration Beyond Borders

Events like the Panvel gathering reflect how India continues to find strength in its cultural and patriotic expressions. Across the country, similar commemorations were held in 150 locations, symbolizing the unity and diversity that define India’s democratic ethos.

For Navi Mumbai, the event became more than a tribute. It became a bridge between generations. Students sang the same verses that once inspired revolutionaries, connecting the spirit of 1875 to the aspirations of 2025. The sight of thousands of young voices singing in unison was a living reminder that patriotism in India is not seasonal — it is perennial.

A Song That Defines a Nation
 

‘Vande Mataram’ continues to occupy a sacred place in India’s consciousness. It is the song that stirs emotion, the verse that unites, and the melody that reminds citizens of the sacrifices that built the nation.

As the celebrations concluded in Panvel, the resounding chorus symbolized more than music. It reflected faith in India’s journey, a belief that the nation’s strength lies not just in its progress but in its unity.

In an age of constant change, ‘Vande Mataram’ endures as India’s eternal rhythm, carrying forward the message that to serve the Motherland is to celebrate her spirit every single day.