Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Vande Mataram awakened patriotism, united Indians, says VP Radhakrishnan
Vande Mataram is a very famous Indian song that means 'I bow to my motherland.'
A long time ago, India was ruled by Britain, and this song made people feel brave and proud of their country.
It helped bring Indians together even though they spoke different languages, followed different faiths, and came from different places.
The song was written long ago by a famous writer named Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Recently, India celebrated 150 years since this special song was written.
India's Vice President, Mr. Radhakrishnan, spoke at a big bicycle rally called 'Har Ghar Tiranga,' which means 'a flag in every home.'
He said the song gave our freedom fighters courage and hope, and many of them sang it even as they faced death.
He also said the song still inspires people in India today.
This year is the fifth time people across India are taking part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' movement to show love for their country and its flag.
The Vice President said India is now working towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said Vande Mataram awakened patriotism and united Indians across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds during the freedom struggle.
He spoke at the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking 150 years of the national song.
The song, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was a source of courage and hope; many freedom fighters went to the gallows singing it.
A special debate in Parliament on the 150th anniversary lasted more than 12 hours, during Radhakrishnan's first session as Rajya Sabha presiding officer.
The fifth edition of 'Har Ghar Tiranga', launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, is underway, with India aiming for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
- Who
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, with Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Virendra Kumar, Dr Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and G Kishan Reddy among those present.
- What
- A speech at the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and hailing the song's role in the freedom struggle.
- When
- August 12 (Wednesday).
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Why
- To mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and carry the spirit of the song back to the streets through the Har Ghar Tiranga people's movement.
- Event
- Har Ghar Tiranga bike rally
- Occasion
- 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram
- Venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Date
- August 12
- Main speaker
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan
- Author of Vande Mataram
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- Har Ghar Tiranga launch
- 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Parliament debate duration
- More than 12 hours