Chandigarh, November 7 – The 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was commemorated with dignity and patriotic fervor across Haryana today. Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Rastogi graced the event at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh as the chief guest, highlighting the song’s enduring significance for the nation.
In his address, Mr. Rastogi reflected on India’s struggle for independence, stating that immense pain was endured under foreign rule, and that the first fight for freedom in 1857 ignited a spirit that ‘Vande Mataram’ helped nurture into a national movement. He emphasized that music and songs have long been a part of India’s cultural tradition, with ‘Vande Mataram’ remaining a beacon of patriotic inspiration. The Chief Secretary remarked that this immortal song gave voice to national consciousness, united people against oppression, and shaped the freedom struggle.
Mr. Rastogi further stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ is not just a song—it is the soul of India’s national character and an act of devotion to Mother India. He urged officials and citizens to remember the country’s glorious history and invaluable heritage, and to follow the ideals put forth by great leaders and freedom fighters.
The event also featured an exhibition dedicated to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the author of ‘Vande Mataram’, showcasing milestones from his life. Chief Secretary encouraged all in attendance to visit the exhibition and draw inspiration. He led the collective singing of the national song in Hindi, along with school children who performed stirring renditions of patriotic songs.
The program began with the Chief Secretary and senior officers lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering flowers to Bharat Mata. Officers , employees, and CISF officers joined in the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ and also performed the state song ‘Jai Jai Jai Haryana’ to mark the occasion.
Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Mr. K. Makarand Pandurang, welcomed the Chief Secretary and presented him with a commemorative picture of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department, Dr. Sumita Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Mr. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning Department, Mr. Apoorv Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, Director General of Police, Mr. O.P. Singh, Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Mr. Shyamal Mishra, Commissioner and Secretary, Housing for All Department, Mr. Mohammad Shayin, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department, Mr. Rajnikanthan, Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Mr. P.C. Meena, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Mr. Navdeep Singh Virk, Principal Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Mrs. Kala Ramachandran, Special Secretary, Personnel, Training and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Director, Women and Child Development Department, Mrs. Priyanka Soni, Additional Secretary, Secretariat Establishment, Mr. Samvartak Singh Khangwal, along with Haryana Civil Secretariat employees and CISF officers and jawans were also present.
