A wave of patriotic spirit swept across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as government departments, institutions, and citizens joined hands to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram. The celebrations, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture’s year-long nationwide commemoration, saw participation from key administrative offices, educational institutions, and cultural bodies across the Islands.
The highlight of the observance was the mass singing of the full version of Vande Mataram organised by the Directorate of Art and Culture at the Tagore Government College of Education, Port Blair. The event drew students, artists, and senior officials who gathered to pay homage to the timeless composition penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Art & Culture inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the traditional lamp, joined by senior officials from the Shipping and Art & Culture Departments. The auditorium resonated with the powerful chorus of voices as hundreds sang the national song in unison, celebrating its enduring symbolism of unity and devotion.
Participants also witnessed a live screening of the Prime Minister’s address and the national-level mass singing telecast from New Delhi, linking the Islands’ celebration with the rest of the nation. The event blended local artistry with national sentiment, featuring stirring performances by members of Sur Saptak, who presented patriotic songs, and dancers from Dance Nitya Academy, who performed an expressive routine set to Vande Mataram. An exhibition and short film tracing the 150-year journey of the national song added a historical perspective to the cultural programme.
Simultaneously, the District Administration of South Andaman held its own tribute in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where officers and staff participated in a collective singing of Vande Mataram. The event began with a short address recalling the song’s historical journey from its creation by Chatterjee to its adoption as India’s national song. The hall reverberated with emotion as participants joined their voices in the familiar melody that once served as the rallying cry of India’s freedom struggle.
The gathering underscored the song’s message of love, sacrifice, and unity, with officials emphasizing the importance of passing on patriotic values to younger generations. The event also reflected the administration’s continuing efforts to integrate cultural observances into public service spaces, reinforcing the role of national heritage in strengthening collective identity.
Adding to the nationwide spirit, the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, who also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, virtually joined the national celebration of the 150th anniversary. His participation symbolized the Islands’ connection to the larger Indian narrative and reaffirmed the administration’s alignment with national cultural initiatives.
Across venues, the celebrations served as a bridge between history and the present, reminding citizens of the unifying power of Vande Mataram—a song that continues to inspire patriotism and solidarity even a century and a half after its creation. The widespread participation reflected the Islands’ commitment to preserving the nation’s cultural legacy while promoting awareness of its freedom movement among the younger generation.
As the concluding strains of Vande Mataram faded, they left behind a resonant reminder of India’s collective strength and shared identity. For the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the 150-year milestone became more than a commemoration, it became an affirmation of unity, culture, and pride that continues to define the spirit of the nation.
