The Maharashtra government has started a grand celebration called “Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav” to mark the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The event began at the Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard in Mumbai, inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This marks a historic moment honouring a song that inspired the nation during the freedom struggle.
150 Years of Vande Mataram – Maharashtra’s Grand Tribute to India’s National Spirit
About ‘Vande Mataram’:
‘Vande Mataram’ was written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, one of India’s greatest writers. The song praises the motherland and became a symbol of India’s independence movement. Its emotional words united Indians against British rule and encouraged the spirit of freedom and patriotism.
Celebration Details:
The state-level programme includes a group rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Mantralaya, where hundreds of participants will sing together. The initiative was conceptualised by Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. It aims to honour freedom fighters and promote national unity.
Public Participation Across the State:
The Maharashtra government has asked schools, colleges, government offices, and civic bodies to organise collective singing events of ‘Vande Mataram’. The Department of Cultural Affairs, led by Ashish Shelar, will conduct essay competitions, debates, exhibitions, and cultural shows based on the song’s legacy.
Digital and Youth Engagement:
To involve the youth, social media drives and creative campaigns are also being organised. These online activities will spread the message of patriotism and encourage young citizens to connect with India’s cultural heritage in a modern way.
National Significance:
Under the larger vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, similar celebrations will happen across India. The aim is to revive unity and devotion through ‘Vande Mataram’ and remind citizens of its message — “Mother, I bow to thee.”
Question & Answer
Q1. Who wrote the national song ‘Vande Mataram’?
(a) Rabindranath Tagore
(b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Explanation: ‘Vande Mataram’ was written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, praising the motherland and inspiring India’s freedom movement.
Q2. Which state launched the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav to mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’?
(a) Gujarat
(b) West Bengal
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation: The Maharashtra government organised the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav to commemorate the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Q3. Where was the inaugural event of the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav held?
(a) Gateway of India
(b) Shivaji Park
(c) Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard, Mumbai
(d) Azad Maidan
Answer: Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard, Mumbai
Explanation: The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard.
Q4. Who conceptualised the Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav initiative?
(a) Ashish Shelar
(b) Devendra Fadnavis
(c) Mangalprabhat Lodha
(d) Amit Deshmukh
Answer: Mangalprabhat Lodha
Explanation: Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, conceptualised the celebration plan.
Q5. Which department is coordinating essay competitions and cultural activities for the event?
(a) Department of Education
(b) Department of Cultural Affairs
(c) Department of Information
(d) Department of Tourism
Answer: Department of Cultural Affairs
Explanation: The Department of Cultural Affairs, led by Ashish Shelar, is handling the cultural and educational programmes for the celebration.
Q6. In which year was ‘Vande Mataram’ originally written?
(a) 1857
(b) 1875
(c) 1882
(d) 1905
Answer: 1875
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1875, and it later became the national song of India.
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