Shivaji College Celebrates National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ with Grand Ceremonial Event
New Delhi : Shivaji College hosted a grand ceremonial event dedicated to the National Song Vande Mataram, celebrating the spirit of Indian nationalism and the country’s rich cultural heritage. The occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof. Yogesh Singh, as the Chief Guest, who led the gathering in a mass singing of Vande Mataram and administered the Swadeshi Sankalp Shapath.
The programme began with a solemn Pushpanjali (floral tribute) at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, followed by a Guard of Honour. A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Vande Mataram Shilapath (stone plaque), a permanent installation envisioned as a “mnemonic of history” to commemorate the freedom struggle and the collective sacrifices of India’s past.
Following the outdoor ceremonies, the dignitaries assembled on stage for the formal proceedings. The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yogesh Singh, Prof. B.W. Pandey, Chairman of the Governing Body, and Prof. Virender Bhardwaj, Principal of Shivaji College, lit the ceremonial lamp and paid floral tributes to Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the literary icon who composed Vande Mataram during the period of colonial rule.
In a gesture blending tradition with social responsibility, the Vice-Chancellor was felicitated with an Angvastram and a fruit basket, the contents of which are to be distributed among government school students, children in orphanages, and the underprivileged. The initiative symbolised the belief that true nationalism is reflected in empathy and everyday conduct towards fellow citizens.
In his keynote address, Prof. Yogesh Singh highlighted the enduring significance of the National Song. He observed that while the National Anthem underscores constitutional and political unity, Vande Mataram embodies India’s cultural and civilizational identity. He noted that the song expresses shared emotions of pride and belonging, uniting India’s diverse linguistic and cultural communities through common symbolism. Retracing the 150-year history of Vande Mataram, he quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vishwanath Mukherjee and Shyamji Krishna Varma, emphasising that the song reiterates the responsibility of Indians towards the motherland. He also referred to films such as Jagriti and Anandamath to encourage students to nurture patriotism and nationalist values.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to bridge the gap between “nationalism as sentiment” and “nationalism in lived reality”, stressing that devotion to the nation goes beyond symbolic reverence and must be reflected in commitment to justice, equality and civic responsibility.
Delivering the Welcome Address, Prof. Virender Bhardwaj, Principal of Shivaji College, underlined the institution’s commitment to fostering national pride. He spoke on the role of Vande Mataram in awakening national consciousness during the freedom struggle and its continued relevance in contemporary India.
The atmosphere became electrifying with the collective mass singing of Vande Mataram, transforming the moment into a powerful emotional experience that evoked the image of the nation as both a physical homeland and a sacred spiritual entity.
The event concluded with the administration of the Swadeshi Sankalp Shapath by the Vice-Chancellor, recalling the historic role of Vande Mataram as a rallying cry during the Swadeshi movement. The ceremony ended with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Deepika Yadav, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and organisers for creating a meaningful platform to reflect on India’s literary and cultural roots.