The Directorate of National Cadet Corps (NCC) organised a special event to commemorate 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ near the National War Memorial here on Friday. The event was attended by Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood, who announced the plans for the expansion of NCC in the national capital.
Addressing NCC officers and cadets, Sood urged the youth to actively participate in nation-building and reflected on the historical and cultural significance of Vande Mataram.
“When Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram, he gave voice to an India yearning to rise from the darkness of slavery into the dawn of freedom. This song embodied courage, revolution, and unity,” he said.
“In 1905, when 40,000 people raised the slogan ‘Vande Mataram’ at Kolkata’s Town Hall, the world realised that Indians would not bow down easily. Now, 150 years later, as India moves through its Amrit Kaal, Vande Mataram is not just history — it is our mantra for the future,” he added further.
Stating that NCC cadets don’t just wear the uniform but embody unity, discipline, and service, Sood said that ”They are both the defenders of our borders and the builders of a developed India. Every drill, every parade, every act of service proves that India’s future is in safe hands.”
Announcing plans for the expansion of NCC in Delhi, Sood said that the Delhi Government has approved the expansion of NCC in the national capital. “We are setting up a modern, state-of-the-art NCC Academy — the land allocation process has already begun. This academy will not just be a building but a laboratory of discipline, leadership, and national service—a testament to our government’s commitment to empowering the youth with the best opportunities,” he added.
Later, the minister also visited the exhibition set up by NCC at the venue, which beautifully depicted the glorious 150-year journey of Vande Mataram. The exhibition illustrated how Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed this inspiring song under challenging circumstances and how it became a rallying cry that awakened the spirit of freedom among Indians during the colonial era.