Vande Mataram Turned Patriotism into Sacred National Duty: VP
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan says Sardar Patel united both territories and hearts of Indians at IIAS event
- Vice President virtually inaugurates Vande Mataram exhibition and IIAS seminar.
- Says Vande Mataram inspired unity and sacrifice during the freedom movement.
- Pays tribute to Sardar Patel’s role in national integration.
- Urges citizens to practise patriotism through honesty, excellence and unity.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th July: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday said “Vande Mataram transformed love for the motherland into a sacred national duty”, while virtually inaugurating a Permanent Exhibition on the Journey of Vande Mataram and a three-day International Seminar on Sardar Patel’s Vision of Integration, Unification and Federalism organised by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla.
Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, the Vice President said the nation is commemorating two historic milestones—the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said these occasions offer an opportunity not only to remember history but also to reconnect with its spirit and inspire national introspection.
Appreciating IIAS for organising the exhibition and seminar, he described the institute as a centre that has nurtured scholarship of the highest order for the past six decades.
The Vice President observed that while innovations make a nation prosperous, “great nations are built on ideas.” Recalling the role of Vande Mataram during India’s freedom struggle, he said the song united people across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds, becoming a symbol of courage, sacrifice and hope for countless freedom fighters.
Highlighting contributions from Tamil Nadu, he referred to freedom fighters V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Tiruppur Kumaran, Vanchinathan and Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, saying they drew inspiration from the spirit of Vande Mataram.
Calling on citizens to uphold patriotism in everyday life, the Vice President said love for the nation should be reflected through honesty in conduct, excellence in work and unity of purpose.
Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he said while Vande Mataram inspired the birth of the nation, Sardar Patel united not only territories but also the hearts of Indians, laying the foundation for one nation, one Constitution and one shared destiny.
Expressing confidence that the three-day seminar would generate valuable insights into Patel’s vision of nation-building, the Vice President urged citizens to carry forward the enduring message of Vande Mataram and the legacy of Sardar Patel by renewing their commitment to building a united, inclusive and confident India.
