Vande Mataram transformed love for motherland into national duty: Vice President

Shimla, Jul 10 (PTI) Vande Mataram transformed love for the motherland into a sacred national duty, inspiring generations of freedom fighters with courage, sacrifice and hope, said Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday. He was virtually addressing the inauguration of the Permanent Exhibition on Journey of Vande Mataram and the International Seminar on 'Sardar Patel's Vision: Integration, Unification and Federalism', organised by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. The VP said that the nation was commemorating two historic milestones -- the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He remarked that such occasions provide an opportunity not merely to remember history but to reconnect with its soul, while inspiring national introspection and celebration. Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the VP said that he united not only territories but also the hearts of Indians, laying the foundation for one nation, one Constitution and one common destiny. "Vande Mataram transformed love for the motherland into a sacred national duty, inspiring generations of freedom fighters with courage, sacrifice and hope," he said in a statement issued here. Emphasising that patriotism must be reflected every day through honesty, excellence and unity of purpose, he urged citizens to carry forward the timeless message of Vande Mataram and Sardar Patel's enduring vision by renewing their commitment to a united, confident and inclusive India. He observed that while innovations can make a nation prosperous, it is ideas that make a nation truly great. Recalling the role of Vande Mataram during India's freedom movement, he said the national song united people across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds through the shared dream of an independent India. Sharing examples from Tamil Nadu, the Vice President highlighted the contributions of freedom fighters such as V O Chidambaram Pillai, Tiruppur Kumaran, Vanchinathan and Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, who drew inspiration from the spirit of Vande Mataram. He expressed confidence that the deliberations over the next three days would generate meaningful insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of Sardar Patel's enduring vision for nation-building. Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not only the architect of India's political integration but also a strong champion of Indian federalism. Addressing the gathering, he said the two events commemorated two enduring pillars of India's national consciousness. While the "Vande Mataram: Ek Yatra" exhibition reflects the cultural and emotional awakening that inspired millions during the freedom movement, the seminar revisits Sardar Patel's visionary leadership in unifying the nation and laying the foundation of a strong and united India. Earlier, the VP was to arrive at Shimla to inaugurate a seminar on Sardar Patel's vision, but his programme was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. PTI BPL SHS