Kupwara: District Administration Kupwara on Sunday launched a week-long campaign to commemorate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, with a series of events held across the district to celebrate its legacy in India’s freedom movement and cultural heritage.
The main function was held at Town Hall Kupwara and was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse. The event marked the beginning of district-wide programmes aimed at promoting the spirit of patriotism and unity associated with Vande Mataram.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the historical importance of the national song and stressed the need to inculcate its values among the younger generation. He called for active participation from educational institutions, civil society and the general public during the week-long campaign.
Officials said the campaign will include cultural performances, awareness drives, school-level activities and community engagement programmes to foster national pride and collective responsibility.
On the occasion, the District Information Centre Kupwara organised an exhibition highlighting the role of freedom fighters in India’s independence struggle. A short film on the history of Vande Mataram was also screened.
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad; Chief Planning Officer, Parvaiz Ahmad; Chief Education Officer, Manzoor Ahmad; besides officers from police and other line departments, and a large number of employees.
As part of the campaign, a parallel event was also held at Town Hall Handwara under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi. The programme witnessed participation from officers, officials, students and members of civil society.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC Handwara underlined the historical significance of Vande Mataram, saying the song played a vital role in inspiring patriotism and strengthening national identity during the freedom struggle.
The Handwara event featured cultural performances by students, including patriotic songs and recitations. Painting competitions, an exhibition and a blood donation camp were also organised to mark the occasion. Officials said the programme was aimed at sensitising the younger generation about the cultural and historical importance of the national song while reinforcing the values of unity, integrity and love for the nation.
During the blood donation drive, Tehsildar Handwara, Zeeshan Khan, members of the media fraternity and other participants voluntarily donated blood, reflecting a spirit of service alongside the patriotic celebrations.
The celebration concluded with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram. Among those present were the Deputy Chief Education Officer Kupwara (Headquarters Handwara), Zonal Education Officers, senior police officers, members of the media fraternity and officers from various line departments.
Officials said similar events were also organised in Lolab and Karnah sub-divisions, as well as at tehsil and block headquarters and educational institutions across the district.
