Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated a nationwide programme in Patna marking 150 years of the composition of Vande Mataram.
The event, organised at the BJP’s state headquarters, seeks to inspire citizens to uphold the ideals of Swadeshi by embracing Indian goods, supporting local artisans, and strengthening the country’s self-reliant economy.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Shah administered a Swadeshi pledge, urging participants to make the movement a part of their everyday lives.
“The time has come for every Indian to take pride in our products, our language, and our traditions,” he said.
Amit Shah emphasised that Swadeshi is not merely an economic choice but a cultural responsibility that connects citizens to their roots.
He urged people to adopt Indian-made goods, use native languages in daily communication, and encourage the youth to follow sustainable lifestyles.
Highlighting the importance of environmental consciousness, he appealed for the use of eco-friendly products and practices that reduce dependence on imported materials.
Shah also encouraged citizens to explore domestic destinations to strengthen local economies through tourism.
BJP’s Nationwide Campaign on Vande Mataram
The BJP’s initiative commemorates 150 years since Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later featured in his novel Anandamath.
The party announced that the year-long celebration aims to bring the song’s historical and emotional significance to every citizen.
Vande Mataram, set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore and first sung at the 1896 Indian National Congress session, became a unifying anthem during India’s struggle for freedom.
It inspired revolutionaries such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, and Subhas Chandra Bose. In 1950, India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, conferred upon it the honour of being the national song.
The celebrations coincide with heightened political activity in Bihar, where Phase 1 of the assembly elections concluded on Thursday.
As campaigning intensifies for Phase-2 polling in 18 districts on 11 November, major political leaders — including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav — will address rallies across the state.
PM Modi will hold rallies in Aurangabad and Bhabhua on Friday, demonstrating the BJP’s effort to link cultural nationalism with contemporary political discourse.
Amit Shah concluded his address by reiterating that Vande Mataram symbolises India’s collective spirit of freedom and self-belief.
“Let every Indian take pride in being Swadeshi and contribute to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said, marking the start of a year-long journey to celebrate one of the nation’s most powerful symbols of unity and patriotism.
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