“Vande Mataram” the immortal national song of India — is far more than a composition. It is the soulful heartbeat of the nation’s awakening, which was composed by luminous Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, on the Akshaya Navami Tithi in 1875.
As the nation commemorates 150 glorious years of Vande Mataram, this spirit of devotion, pride, and collective memory is being rekindled through “Vande Virasat” — a visionary cultural initiative conceptualised by West Bengal Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose under the stimulating leadership of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Under the leadership of the Governor, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, the *Vande Virasat March* was flagged off from Bankim Bhavan Gabeshana Kendra, Naihati by Shri Arijit Dutta Choudhary, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata, in the presence of Dr. Ratan Nandi, Director, Bankim Bhavan, and Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Deputy Director.
Around 120+ motorcycle outriders enthusiastically joined the march, symbolising collective pride in India’s cultural and national heritage.
Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal visited Indian Museum, Kolkata as a part of the Vande Virasat celebration.
Governor lit the ceremonial lamp and the Akhanda Jyoti, marking a solemn and evocative moment in the celebrations commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram.
His Excellency, paid floral tribute to the portrait of Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and formally flagged off the Vande Virasat March from the Indian Museum premises to the Victoria Memorial Hall.
The occasion stood as a powerful expression of collective reverence, unity, and commitment to India’s cultural and national heritage.
Cultural performers (Chhau performers, Dhak-badya artists) school students, specially abled individuals, NCC and NSS cadets, Army bands, members of civil society, and distinguished dignitaries came together in this meaningful march of national pride.
*(Inputs from Governor House Media cell and edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Sr.Broadcast Journalist, British Media)*
