Exhibition Celebrating 'Vande Mataram' at Prime Minister's Museum Ahead of Independence Day

Celebrating India's Heritage

New Delhi, August 8 - In anticipation of Independence Day, the Prime Minister's Museum is hosting an exhibition showcasing a variety of artifacts. Among the items on display are commemorative postage stamps related to 'Vande Mataram', a special first-day cover issued in 1976 honoring its creator, and a statue of Bharat Mata intricately carved from sandalwood. Officials have noted that the five-day exhibition, which commenced on Saturday, also features an old tricolor flag inscribed with 'Vande Mataram' in Devanagari script.

A Tribute to Freedom

This event is part of the celebrations for the 80th Independence Day, taking place in the new section of the Prime Minister's Museum located in the Three Statues complex. The exhibition runs from August 8 to August 12, commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and its significant role in India's freedom struggle.

Diverse Artifacts on Display

Other notable items include a decorative button set featuring 'Vande Mataram' in Devanagari against the backdrop of the old tricolor flag. The exhibition also displays commemorative stamps related to 'Vande Mataram' and a special first-day cover issued in 1976 in honor of its author, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, along with a commemorative stamp set to be released by India Post in November 2025. Additionally, copies of 'Anandamath', which first published 'Vande Mataram' entirely in Bengali in 1882, are also part of the exhibition.

Historical Significance

Included in the exhibition is a copy of the English translation by Aurobindo Ghosh from 1909. A senior official mentioned that some of the items on display have been sourced from the Prime Minister's Museum and Library (PMML) treasury collection. 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, emerged as a significant slogan during the freedom movement, invigorating the struggle for independence.