New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Vande Mataram will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day this year, marking a historic moment as the country celebrates 150 years of the National Song.
The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday. He said the rendition of Vande Mataram from the historic monument would be a tribute to its enduring legacy and its role in inspiring millions during India’s freedom struggle.
The National Song will be sung when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort for the Independence Day celebrations. He will then unfurl the National Flag and deliver his customary address to the nation.
The celebrations this year will have a special focus on Yuva Shakti, highlighting the contribution of India’s youth towards the country’s development and the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Singh said.
The 2026 celebrations assume added significance as they coincide with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song became a powerful symbol of India’s freedom movement and inspired generations of freedom fighters.
The government has also taken steps to strengthen the legal status of the National Song. Parliament recently passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram against acts of insult.
The legislation places the National Song on a legal footing similar to that of the National Anthem.
The inclusion of Vande Mataram in the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort is expected to add a special dimension to this year’s celebrations, commemorating its 150-year legacy while highlighting the role of young Indians in shaping the country’s future.
