Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2025 inaugurated a year-long national commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the composition of India's National Song 'Vande Mataram', which was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875 — the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami. The inaugural programme was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi and featured performances by noted singers, the release of a commemorative postage stamp and coin, and exhibitions highlighting the song's role in India's freedom struggle. 'Vande Mataram' was first published in Chatterjee's seminal 1882 novel 'Anandamath' and became a rallying cry during the independence movement. It was officially recognised as India's National Song by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950 alongside the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. The year-long celebrations will include events across schools, colleges, and cultural institutions throughout India.