Newsinc24 Team 
The Indian People’s Forum (IPF) UAE on Friday organised a special commemorative event in Dubai to mark 150 years of the iconic national song Vande Mataram, bringing together diplomats, community representatives, cultural artistes and members of the Indian diaspora.
According to agency reports, held under the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram – Celebrating India’s Spirit, Heritage, and National Awakening”, the programme highlighted the historic importance of the song in India’s freedom movement and its continued role as a symbol of unity, pride and national identity.The event began with the national anthems of the UAE and India, followed by an audio-visual presentation showcasing the journey of Vande Mataram from its literary origins to becoming a powerful symbol during the independence movement.In a recorded message, Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Vande Mataram played a unifying role during the freedom struggle and continues to inspire the country’s development journey during Amrit Kaal as India works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
150 Years of Vande Mataram celebrated in the UAE. MP @ArunSinghbjp, Amb @d_mittal73 & CG Satish Sivan joined the members of the Indian community in commemorating the National Song that has inspired generations of Indians and remains a stirring symbol of national pride & unity. ???????? pic.twitter.com/cuDr5FORlK
— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) June 26, 2026
Chief Guest and Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh highlighted the contribution of organisations like IPF in strengthening cultural connections and national identity among overseas Indians. He said the Indian diaspora has become an important contributor to India’s global growth story and connected the spirit of Vande Mataram with the vision of a developed India.India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, described Vande Mataram as more than a song, calling it a symbol of collective resolve and inspiration that united people during the freedom struggle.He said the song brought together citizens across linguistic, regional and cultural boundaries and continues to inspire Indians around the world. Consul General of India in Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan emphasised the need to preserve India’s cultural heritage among diaspora communities and encourage younger generations to remain connected with their roots.
IPF UAE President Jitendra Vaidya highlighted the continuing relevance of Vande Mataram in strengthening emotional and cultural ties among overseas Indians.The programme featured a special musical performance by singer Sucheta Satish, who presented Vande Mataram in eight languages, including Arabic, along with a dance presentation by Arti Agarwal and her team.The celebration concluded with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and later published in his 1882 novel Anandamath, the song became one of the most influential voices of India’s freedom movement.The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram is being commemorated across India and by Indian communities worldwide, recognising its lasting cultural and historical significance.
