A week-long Vande Mataram Camp, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), commenced at Brainware University in Barasat, West Bengal, on Wednesday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram”, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Being held from June 24 to 30 under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the camp has brought together 150 young participants from Gujarat, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organisers said the initiative aims to promote national integration, patriotism and a deeper understanding of India’s constitutional values and cultural heritage.
The camp has been organised around the theme “One Song, One Spirit, One Nation” and seeks to strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by encouraging cultural exchanges and interactions among youth from different parts of the country.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Brainware University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sankar Gangopadhyay, MY Bharat State Director Deb Kumar Chatterjee, Deputy Director Rizwi Sahnaz Rahman, Dean of Students’ Welfare Anup Kumar Maiti and NSS Officer Madhab Bandhyopadhyay, among others.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a floral tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Students of the university’s NSS unit presented a rendition of “Vande Mataram”, followed by a thematic group dance performance. The ceremony concluded with the collective singing of the national song.
Participants also took part in cultural exchange programmes showcasing regional traditions from across the country, reflecting India’s diversity and setting the tone for a week of learning and interaction.
During the camp, delegates will participate in sessions on constitutional and civic values, the historical significance of “Vande Mataram”, youth leadership development and contemporary issues concerning young people. The programme is aimed at nurturing responsible and informed citizens while strengthening national unity and social harmony.
