Years of >Vande Mataram: : There is a specific kind of goosebump that only “Vande Mataram” can provide. This morning, as the sun rose over Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, that feeling wasn’t just in the air—it was the entire theme of our 77th Republic Day. We aren’t just celebrating our laws today; we are celebrating 150 years of the melody that gave us the courage to dream of freedom.
I found it incredibly moving to see the 1923 paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra displayed along the path. It felt like the past was literally watching us march into the future. From Bankim Chandra’s pen to the modern drones in our sky, the journey of “Mother India” remains as vibrant as ever.
A Global Handshake
This year’s celebration had a unique international flavor. We were honored to have two prominent leaders from the European Union as our Chief Guests:
- Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission President)
- António Costa (EU Council President)
Seeing them pay respects to our traditions reminds us that while “Vande Mataram” is our song, India’s progress is now a story the whole world wants to read.
The Parade: Where Bravery Meets Tech
If you weren’t watching the live stream, you missed a historic “first.” For the first time, our Army moved in a “Battle Array” formation. It wasn’t just a march; it was a tactical display of how we would actually defend our borders today.
- Operation Sindoor Tribute: The skies were painted with a “Sindoor” formation of jets—a powerful nod to our precision strikes and the soldiers who never blink at the border.
- Indigenous Pride: Seeing the BrahMos and Akash missile systems roll by, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant) we have become.
- Sky Magic: The Rafales performed the “Vijay” formation with such roar that the ground literally shook. It’s a sound that says: “India is here.”
A Legacy Reborn
The Ministry of Culture truly outdid themselves with the “moving archive” tableau. It traced the song’s journey from its first manuscript to the Gen-Z artists performing it today. It proves that whether it’s 1876 or 2026, the spirit of sacrifice remains the same.
For a closer look at the deep cultural roots of this year’s parade, I highly recommend checking out this beautiful editorial:
Explore the 2026 SpiritMake Your Voice Heard
Don’t just be a spectator! The government is inviting every one of us to record our own version of the National Song to mark this 150th year. You can even get a digital certificate to keep as a souvenir of this historic day.
Join the Vande Mataram 150 Movement
