Why in News?
India's 80th Independence Day celebrations highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, alongside a focus on youth participation.
Why is Vande Mataram important?
- Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later included in his novel Anandamath.
- The song became closely associated with India's freedom movement and was adopted as the National Song in 1950.
- The 2026 Independence Day programme at the Red Fort gave the song special prominence to mark its 150-year commemoration.
Exam Connect
- Vande Mataram → Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- National Song → Vande Mataram
- Independence Day ceremony → Red Fort, Delhi