THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 12, 2026

 “The collective rendition of Vande Mataram by our youth is a historic moment that reflects Odisha’s deep dedication and commitment to the nation,” said Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, as the national song echoed across the state on National Youth Day on Mnday, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Patriotic fervour swept through Odisha as more than 16,000 educational institutions came together in a synchronised mass rendition of Vande Mataram on January 12. At exactly 11 am, over 21 lakh students from schools, colleges and universities — across government and private institutions — joined their voices in unison, creating a powerful and inspiring atmosphere of unity and national pride.

The statewide programme was jointly organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, the Higher Education Department, the School and Mass Education Department, and the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Government of Odisha. Students, teachers and staff members participated enthusiastically, turning campuses across the state into resonant centres of patriotism and collective spirit.

Expressing his happiness over the successful conduct of the programme, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj lauded the active participation of the youth and congratulated all institutions, students, teachers and staff members for making the mass singing event a grand success. He emphasised that such collective initiatives not only honour the nation but also instil values of unity, discipline and national consciousness among young citizens.

The programme was supported by a comprehensive state-wide “Vande Mataram Training Programme” conducted in advance to ensure seamless and impactful participation. For effective coordination, all districts were grouped into five zones — Jeypore, Brahmapur, Balasore, Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar — where zonal-level training programmes were organised. These efforts were further strengthened through training sessions at district, municipal and block levels, enabling widespread and meaningful engagement.

The resonant chorus of Vande Mataram across Odisha on National Youth Day stood as a stirring tribute to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, reaffirming the role of youth as the torchbearers of national unity and pride.