Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ depicts a vibrant and magnificent image of India and called upon citizens to make its 150th anniversary memorable by carrying forward its values to future generations.
Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said that numerous programmes will be organised across the country to commemorate 150 years of the national song, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896.
During his 30-minute address, Modi highlighted several citizen-led initiatives across India — including efforts to revive mangroves in Gujarat, the establishment of Garbage Cafes in Chhattisgarh, and the restoration of lakes in Bengaluru.
The Prime Minister praised the paramilitary forces, especially the BSF and CRPF, for inducting Indian dog breeds such as Rampur Hounds, Mudhol Hounds, Mongrels, Kombai, and Pandikona into their units.
He recalled that a Mudhol Hound had recently won laurels at an international competition, surpassing foreign breeds.
“Our indigenous dogs have shown remarkable courage. Last year, during a patrol in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh, an Indian-bred CRPF dog detected 8 kg of explosives,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said some of these Indian breeds will take part in the parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary on October 31.
He also applauded the efforts of farmers in Koraput, Odisha, who are cultivating coffee with great enthusiasm, transforming lives, particularly those of local women.
“Indian coffee — from Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan, Nilgiris, Wayanad, and Malabar — is admired worldwide for its diversity and richness,” he added.
The Prime Minister further noted that the world of social media and digital culture has given a new lease of life to Sanskrit, citing the example of Yash Salunke, a young creator who teaches Sanskrit through reels and even plays cricket while speaking the language.
Extending greetings for Chhath Puja, Modi described the festival as a confluence of devotion, affection, and tradition, symbolising India’s social unity.
“The Mahaparva of Chhath reflects the deep unity between culture, nature, and society,” he said, urging citizens to participate wherever possible.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said the campaign had filled the nation with pride, especially in regions once troubled by Maoist terror.
“This time, lamps of joy were lit even in areas that had long remained under the shadow of Maoist violence,” he remarked.
Remembering tribal hero Komaram Bheem, Modi hailed his fight against the atrocities of the Nizam of Hyderabad, calling him a symbol of courage and resistance.
He also paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose birth anniversary — Janajateeya Gaurav Diwas — will be celebrated on November 15.
“Like Birsa Munda and Komaram Bheem, there are many other great luminaries in our tribal communities. I urge everyone to read about them and draw inspiration,” the Prime Minister said.
