Vande Mataram Patriotic Wave

The commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram in Jammu and Kashmir has gently illustrated how cultural remembrance can evolve into a shared public experience rooted in unity and collective pride. What began as a tribute to a historic national song gradually unfolded into a widespread people-centric movement, linking the legacy of the freedom struggle with contemporary expressions of national belonging. The scale and depth of participation reflected how cultural symbols, when approached inclusively, continue to resonate across generations.

During Phase I of the celebrations, held from November 7 to 14, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir recorded participation of around 1.22 crore people, the highest in the country. This figure placed the Union Territory well ahead of other states, including Uttar Pradesh, which recorded the participation of about 19.35 lakh people. The numbers themselves tell a story of deep public engagement, but beyond statistics, the celebrations highlighted the power of collective cultural memory in bringing people together. Vande Mataram holds a distinctive place in India’s national consciousness. It is not merely a song but a symbol of sacrifice, unity, and emotional connection to the freedom movement. By encouraging mass participation rather than limiting the commemoration to formal ceremonies, the programme transformed remembrance into a living experience. Citizens were not just observers but active participants, lending the celebrations a sense of ownership and sincerity. State-led cultural outreach played an important role in achieving this scale. Coordinated efforts by district administrations, educational institutions, and cultural bodies ensured that programmes reached schools, colleges, community spaces, and public institutions. This broad outreach allowed people from different age groups and social backgrounds to engage meaningfully. Students, artists, youth groups, and community organizations became central to the celebrations, reinforcing the idea that patriotism grows stronger when it is shared. The transition from symbolism to engagement was visible through a wide range of activities. Mass singing of Vande Mataram, cultural performances, and student-led events created spaces for participation that felt natural and inclusive. Major inaugural and valedictory programmes held at Abhinav Theatre and M. A. Stadium in Jammu alone witnessed participation of over 20,000 students, artists, and citizens. These gatherings combined cultural expression with a sense of collective purpose, especially among young participants. Youth involvement emerged as a defining feature of the celebrations. For many students, the programme offered an opportunity to connect with national history in a manner that went beyond textbooks. Participation through schools and higher education institutions helped anchor the ideals of unity and freedom in everyday experiences. Such engagement also reaffirmed the role of educational spaces as important platforms for nurturing civic awareness and national values. The approach adopted in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated how patriotic initiatives can strengthen national integration while respecting regional diversity. Cultural programmes rooted in shared heritage provided a common emotional language, allowing people to participate without feeling distanced from their local identities. This balance between unity and diversity added depth to the celebrations and enhanced their credibility. Administrative coordination was another key factor. The alignment of multiple departments and district administrations ensured consistency in planning and execution. Effective publicity, documentation, and digital outreach further amplified the impact. Uploading photographs and videos on the dedicated national portal and using common hashtags across official platforms helped present the scale of participation at the national level. Looking ahead, Phase II of the celebrations, scheduled from January 19 to January 26, 2026, coinciding with Republic Day, aims to build on this momentum. Planned activities include Vande Mataram torch relays across all districts, mass singing at educational institutions, government offices, and community centres, and integration of the theme into Republic Day programmes at UT, district, and local levels. Additional initiatives such as essay writing, poster-making and debate competitions, exhibitions, and youth marathons are designed to further widen participation.

The experience of the Vande Mataram commemorations suggests that patriotic observances gain meaning when they become participatory rather than purely ceremonial. By inviting citizens to engage actively, the programme transformed a historical milestone into a shared cultural journey. In doing so, it reaffirmed that national identity is continually shaped through collective memory, inclusive participation, and a gentle reaffirmation of shared values that bind the nation together.