"People from Kashmir to Kanyakumari uniting to sing 'Vande Mataram'": Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi

Sanghavi extended greetings to citizens on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', saying that people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari are uniting in a patriotic spirit to sing the national song, with thousands of programmes organised across the state under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Speaking to the reporters, Harsh Sanghavi said, "On this proud occasion, on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', I extend greetings to all the people of the country. Today, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, thousands of people are coming together to sing 'Vande Mataram'. Under the guidance of Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, across the state, thousands of programs have been organised where 'Vande Mataram' will be sung."

"Everywhere in the state, oath is being administered wherein people are pledging to use 'Swadeshi' as much as possible and visit India's tourist places as much as they can. I too received the opportunity to join one such event on India-Pakistan border, with BSF jawans. I am overjoyed," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of the National Song "Vande Mataram" at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister also released a Commemorative Stamp and Coin on the occasion.

Prime Minister Modi also launched a portal commemorating the 150th anniversary of the National Song 'Vande Mataram'

The celebrations witnessed mass singing of the full version of "Vande Mataram" across public places with participation of citizens across all segments of society, in conjunction with the main programme.

Vande Mataram, India's national song, was written originally on November 7, 1875, by novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The song was adopted on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly as India's national song. (ANI)