In a remarkable display of patriotism, educational institutions across Odisha joined in a mass rendition of the national song Vande Mataram to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and observe National Youth Day. Over 16,000 schools, colleges, and universities participated, with more than 21 lakh students singing in unison, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity and national pride.
Statewide Participation
The event saw participation from both government and private institutions, with the collective singing conducted simultaneously at 11 am across the state. Teachers, students, and staff members joined together, reflecting Odisha’s deep sense of dedication to the nation.
Organisers and Support
The programme was jointly organised by:
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Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department
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Higher Education Department
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School and Mass Education Department
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Sports and Youth Services Department
The initiative aimed to foster patriotism among students while honouring the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
Minister Praises Historic Initiative
Expressing satisfaction over the programme, Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj called it a “historic moment.” He stated that the collective singing of Vande Mataram reflects the youth’s commitment and devotion to the nation, and congratulated all participating institutions, students, teachers, and staff for making the programme a grand success.
Vande Mataram Training Programme
To ensure seamless participation, the state had earlier conducted a statewide “Vande Mataram Training Programme.” All districts were divided into five zones:
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Jeypore Zone: Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nuapada
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Brahmapur Zone: Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nayagarh
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Balasore Zone: Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Jajpur
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Sambalpur Zone: Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, Subarnapur
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Bhubaneswar Zone: Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, Angul
Zonal-level training programmes were conducted, along with district, municipal, and block-level sessions, ensuring effective preparation for the mass singing initiative.
Inspiring Patriotism Across Odisha
The initiative not only paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda but also strengthened the spirit of unity and patriotism among the youth of Odisha. The large-scale participation highlighted the state’s commitment to national values and collective pride.