150th Anniversary of Vande Mataram Indian Prime Minister launches the year-long national celebration marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The event marks the start of a year-long celebration (Nov 7, 2025–Nov 7, 2026) honoring the legacy of Vande Mataram. About Vande Mataram (National Song of India) Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskrit (using Bengali script) in 1875. Featured in his Bengali novel Anandamath (1882). Meaning:The title “Bande Mataram” means “I praise thee, Mother”, symbolising devotion to the motherland. First Performance: Rabindranath Tagore first sang it at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. Adoption as National Song: The Congress Working Committee adopted the first two verses as India’s National Song in 1937. Role in Freedom Struggle: Became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, sung at protests and political meetings, symbolising unity and courage. Post-Independence Recognition: On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared Vande Mataram as the National Song of India, giving it equal honour with Jana Gana Mana. The Constitution of India, under Article 51A(a), mandates citizens to respect the Constitution, its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem; it does not specifically mention the national song. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 (KTS 4.0) The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) is an annual initiative under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program, focused on strengthening the cultural and intellectual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). Begins on December 2 in Varanasi and runs for two weeks. Theme: "Let us Learn Tamil - Karpom Tamil." Aim: To spread Tamil language learning across India and highlight the oneness of Bharatiya Bhasha family. Significance: Strengthens cultural and intellectual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, promoting Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. New Initiatives (2025): “Tamil Karpom” – Students from North India…
