SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 8: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Saturday celebrated the 150th year of the iconic patriotic song ‘Vande Mataram’ with great zeal and national fervor at the SMC Headquarters, Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
The event was organized under the directions of the Commissioner, SMC /CEO, Srinagar Smart City Ltd., Faz Lul Haseeb, in synchronization with the instructions issued by the Divisional and district administration.
The celebration aimed to commemorate the historic legacy of the national song that continues to inspire generations with its message of love, unity and devotion to the motherland.
The program began with the unfurling of the National Flag and the playing of the National Anthem, followed by the screening of a short film and the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, presented with dignity and pride.
On the occasion, the Department of Information also participated enthusiastically, expressing their respect and admiration for the song that played a vital role in shaping India’s freedom movement.
Joint Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Suhail Ul Islam presided over the function and highlighted that ‘Vande Mataram’ is not merely a song but a profound symbol of India’s unity, strength, and spiritual essence. He elaborated on the historical significance of the National song ‘Vande Mataram’ , which became a rallying cry for freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence, a lyrical embodiment of devotion to the motherland and the spirit of sacrifice, he added.
He emphasized that the song’s message of “Mother as the Nation” continues to remind every citizen of their duty towards the country. He urged SMC officials to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, honesty, and dedication reflected in the song while serving the people of Srinagar.
Cultural Officer Kashmir also shared insights into the historical and emotional resonance of ‘Vande Mataram’. He noted that the song, adopted as the national song of India, continues to serve as a reminder of unity in diversity, binding people across regions, faiths, and languages in the shared spirit of nationhood. He commended SMC for organizing the celebration with such devotion and respect for the country’s cultural legacy.
The speakers emphasized that such occasions reinforce collective responsibility, harmony, and national integrity that are essential for societal progress and nation-building.
The celebration will continue till the 14th of November and will be observed across all 35 wards of SMC, featuring a series of cultural activities and community programs organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture to spread the message of unity, harmony, and national pride.
Prominent officers and officials present on the occasion included Joint Commissioner, SMC, Syed Abul Qasim ; Joint Commissioner (Works) Hamid Iqbal Mir; Superintending Engineer (City Drainage Circle), SMC, Divisional Forest Officer, SMC, Executive Engineer (City Roads) and Chief Sanitation Officer, SMC, along with other officers and officials of the Corporation. Their participation added significance to the celebration and reflected the collective commitment of SMC towards fostering civic unity and patriotic values.
