RRU Marks Vande Mataram 150 With Mass Singing Event
Newz Daddy Educational Updates
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) celebrated the launch of the nation-wide commemoration of 150 years of the National Song, “Vande Mataram,” in line with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India’s directive to organise inaugural events on 07 November 2025. This ceremony marks the beginning of a year-long tribute, from 07 November 2025 to 07 November 2026, honouring this iconic composition that inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to stir national pride and unity.
The Directive by the Ministry of Culture is part of a broader effort to highlight the 150-year milestone of “Vande Mataram”. The song’s anniversary celebration also links to national educational and cultural outreach efforts, so universities such as RRU play a key role in spreading awareness among youth and institutional members.
A year-long commemoration gives time to hold multiple events, not just one-day programmes, which enhances the impact of the national song’s message of unity and cultural pride. Penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami, 07 November 1875, “Vande Mataram” stands as a timeless symbol of India’s cultural and historical legacy. According to official sources, the poem was first published in a literary journal, Bangadarshan, on 07 November 1875.
Later, the composition was incorporated into Chatterji’s novel Anandamath (1882) and became a rallying cry during the freedom struggle. It is historically significant because the concept of the “motherland” as invoked in the song helped shape ideas of cultural nationalism in India. Including the exact date and the auspicious day (Akshaya Navami) shows the strong symbolic value the song has for cultural and spiritual identity in India.
Under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor, RRU, the university, organised a series of commemorative activities reaffirming its commitment to celebrating this enduring National Song. RRU is a national university dedicated to security, policing, defence and related education. The fact that RRU is hosting this celebration emphasises the link between security institutions and cultural heritage, recognising that cultural identity plays a role in national security and cohesion. Prof. Patel’s leadership underlines the institutional importance placed on the song’s commemoration, not simply as a musical event, but as part of national education and ethos.
The event commenced at 10:00 AM with a Mass Singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” by students and staff in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr Dharmeshkumar Prajapati, Registrar (I/c); Prof. (Dr.) Priyanka Sharma, Dean, EDLD; Mr Bhawanisinh Rathore, Director, SISSP and other distinguished dignitaries. Participants also joined the live screening of the main event from Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, which was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Mass singing is a powerful act of collective participation, helping reinforce shared identity and emotion among participants. The live screening indicates that while the event at RRU is local, it is connected to a national moment – linking campus activity with national leadership and a larger event in Delhi.
The inclusion of senior administrative leaders at RRU shows the institutional dedication to the theme of “Vande Mataram” and to forging connections between the song and formal academic culture. A powerful instrumental performance of “Vande Mataram” by the Gujarat Police Music Band captivated the gathering in the presence of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel. This was followed by a heartfelt vocal rendition by a student group, which drew enthusiastic participation from staff and faculty.
The use of the Gujarat Police Music Band adds a ceremonial and disciplined dimension to the event — reminding us that the song is not only cultural but also part of the state’s ceremonial heritage. The combination of instrumental and vocal performances allows different modes (formal, musical, youthful) of celebration, thus making the song accessible to a wide audience.
Prof. Patel described the unified voices as embodying shared rhythm and emotion—a metaphor for national harmony and collective aspiration. This illustrates the idea that “Vande Mataram” is more than a song: it is a symbol of cultural nationalism and endeavour. The point that it “has served as the guiding mantra for Bharat’s awakening” underscores that very idea. The Raksha Shakti School also organised a Mass Singing of the National Song to raise awareness among students about its historic importance and national significance. The event was attended by Group Captain S.M. Sharma (Retd.), Director; Dr Isha Arora, Vice Principal (I/c); faculty members, and students of RSS.
Involving the school indicates that the commemoration is not limited to higher education but reaches into younger age groups, building awareness and pride early. The school participation demonstrates that cultural heritage education is inter-woven with regular education (schools and universities) . The attendance of the Director, Vice Principal and faculty underscores institutional support and makes it more likely that the awareness has a lasting impact. By engaging students in mass singing, the event invites active participation rather than passive observation, helping students internalise the meaning of “Vande Mataram”.
