As part of the nationwide celebrations commemorating 150 years of India’s iconic National Song ‘Vande Mataram,’ composed by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Puducherry, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, successfully organized a symposium on the theme: The National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Creating a New India: Insights from Sri Aurobindo and Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.”
On this occasion, Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, highlighted about Sri Aurobindo’s profound interpretation of the “reviving mantra” that is shaping a New India — the mantra ‘Vande Mataram’. Sri Aurobindo regarded Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee not merely as a novelist, but as a rishi of nationalism who rekindled the spiritual and cultural self-awareness of India through his writings. Dr Tripathy further emphasized that through the revolutionary writings by Sri Aurobindo, ‘Bande Mataram,’ a daily organ of Indian nationalism, he inspired revolutionary nationalism. His Political Writings and Speeches from 1890– 1908 was further published under the title ‘Bande Mataram’ by Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Chief Guest, Professor K. Tharanikkarasu, former Vice-Chancellor (i/c) of Pondicherry University, underlined its role in awakening national consciousness during the freedom struggle. Dr Sumit Dey, Regional Director, IGNCA, Puducherry spoke on the continuing relevance of Vande Mataram and various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Culture in fostering spiritual nationalism.
Guest of honour, Mr Arsh G. of Rashtriya Raksha University highlighted its role in national integration, while Shri Alok Pandey of Sri Aurobindo Ashram described it as an awakening of Bharatshakti in the light of Sri Aurobindo. The symposium also highlighted Sri Aurobindo’s celebrated English translation of ‘Bande Mataram,’ which played a crucial role in making the song accessible to a wider audience.
Films reflecting patriotic emotion and spiritual symbolism: As part of the programme, special film screenings were organized by the Sri Aurobindo Society and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. These screenings provided valuable historical and cultural insights into the evolution and impact of ‘Vande Mataram’ in India’s freedom movement and nation-building process.
Mrs Chau Tripathy, associate Director from AuroBharati, SAS, Shri Shivakumar, Director, SAFIER, Dr Sumit Dey, Regional Director, IGNCA reflected on the glory of the Motherland as a living, divine presence—abundant, nurturing and powerful—thereby conveying both patriotic emotion and spiritual symbolism to readers across linguistic boundaries.
Vande Mataram and the national awakening: A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring eminent scholars and educationists: Shri Ashok Kumar Srivastav ‘Manish’, Dr. Sundar Murugan, Shri Shaktivel G, Smt. L. Annapoorna, and Dr. R. Kandhavel. The panellists elaborated on the literary genius of Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the philosophical depth of Sri Aurobindo’s interpretation, The contribution of the great leaders Mahakavi Subramania Bharati and the enduring relevance of ‘Vande Mataram’ in fostering unity, ethical citizenship and cultural confidence among the youth of India were also discussed on this occasion.
By reflecting on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the event reinforced the song’s lasting significance as a cultural gem and a spiritual appeal for national renewal.
The program took place at the Sri Aurobindo Society in Puducherry, attracting enthusiastic involvement from scholars, academics, students, and members of the community.
