In a state-wide celebration of National Youth Day, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has directed all educational institutions to hold a collective rendition of the national song, “Vande Mataram.” The event marks the 150th anniversary of the national song’s composition by Bankimchandra Chatterji.
Similarly, all institutions under the Skill Development & Technical Education Department have been directed to participate in the singing and associated events. In addition to the rendition, students will also be required to take the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp” (Self-Reliant India Swadeshi Pledge).
The educational institutions have been tasked with capturing the event through photography and videography, while also organising various student competitions to commemorate the occasion.
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has issued letters to the Higher Education, School and Mass Education, and Skill Development & Technical Education Departments to ensure full compliance.
To prepare for this large-scale event, a comprehensive state-wide “Vande Mataram Training Programme” was previously conducted to streamline the collective singing process.
All districts of the state were divided into five zones – Jeypore Zone (Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada), Brahmapur Zone (Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Nayagarh), Balasore Zone (Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Jajpur), Sambalpur Zone (Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, and Subarnapur), and Bhubaneswar Zone (Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, and Angul).
Under this initiative, zonal-level “Vande Mataram” training programmes were conducted.
Additionally, training programmes were also organised at the district, municipal, and block levels to ensure effective participation across the state.
These activities are part of a broader national celebration launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2025, to honour 150 years of the national song.
Composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, “Vande Mataram” is traditionally believed to have been penned on Akshaya Navami, which occurred on November 7, 1875.
