Pankaj Nath, Assam: A special programme titled ‘Namami Bharatam’ was organised at NEDFi House here on Friday by the Vidwat Parishad of Shishu Shiksha Samiti, Assam, to commemorate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The programme brought together academicians including university and college professors, researchers and students from the fields of education, literature, STEM, and intellectual discourse, giving the event wider significance. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before Goddess Saraswati, followed by Saraswati Vandana.
Akhil Bharatiya Upadhyaksh of Vidya Bharati, Avneesh Bhatnagar, was the chief speaker at the programme.
Shishu Shiksha Samiti Assam president Kulendra Kumar Bhagawati presided over the event. Dr R P Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of Pragjyotishpur University, was the chief guest, while Dr Milan Rani Jamatia, Kshetriya Pramukh of Vidwat Parishad, was also present on the dais. Explaining the objective of the programme, Dr Eeshankur Saikia, Prant Pramukh of Vidwat Parishad Uttar Assam, said ‘Namami Bharatam’ seeks to create meaningful social dialogue on issues connected with Bhaarat’s cultural, historical and national consciousness and strengthen the sense of nationhood among the younger generation. Chief guest Dr R P Tiwari highlighted the historical significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, saying the song had served as a powerful medium for inspiring self-confidence, sacrifice and patriotism among the people during the freedom movement.
Chief speaker Avneesh Bhatnagar spoke at length about the background of the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’, its literary significance and its role in India’s freedom movement. He said ‘Vande Mataram’ was not merely a song but a powerful expression of Bhaarat’s national consciousness. Despite debates and discussions surrounding the song at different points of time, its core ideas of devotion to the motherland, cultural pride and national unity remained deeply embedded in it, he said. Academicians and students also shared their views on the historical legacy and contemporary relevance of ‘Vande Mataram’. Speakers emphasised the need to strengthen value-based national education and promote the Indian knowledge tradition. According to Mukuteswar Goswami, Prachar Sanyojak of Shishu Shiksha Samiti Assam, several eminent personalities attended the programme, including Dr Jagadindra Rai Choudhury, Khetra Mantri, Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra; Dr Pawan Tiwari, Sangathan Mantri, Vidya Bharti; Ulhas Kulkarni, Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; and educationist Dr Dayananda Pathak, Dr Joysankar Hazarika, Dr Sudeshna Bhattacharya. The programme, conducted by Arup Buragohain, Pradhanacharya of Shankardev Shishu Niketan, Birubari, concluded with the National Anthem, after vote of thanks from Hiten Goswami, Raajyik Sanjojak.
