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Vande Mataram: To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and to strengthen citizen participation in a national cultural movement, the Central Government has proposed the installation of 100 Vande Mataram Karaoke booths across India. This initiative aims to provide people from all walks of life with an opportunity to record and digitally preserve their renditions of the iconic national song through a dedicated online campaign platform.

Government Initiative to Promote Cultural Participation

The Ministry of Culture has been entrusted with the responsibility of setting up and managing these karaoke booths. Each booth will be designed as an interactive public installation that blends physical participation with digital technology. Citizens will be able to step into these booths, sing Vande Mataram using professional karaoke support, and upload their recordings directly to the official campaign portal. The initiative is expected to deepen public engagement with India’s cultural heritage, particularly among young people and students.

Advanced Recording Infrastructure at Each Booth

To ensure high quality audio output, every karaoke booth will be equipped with studio grade sound recording systems. These include a professional microphone with pop filter, a dedicated sound recording device with onboard storage, and a wall mounted touch screen that displays lyrics and guides users through the recording process. Once a participant completes their recording and uploads it successfully, a digital certificate will be automatically generated as a token of participation.

State Wise Distribution Based on Population

The allocation of karaoke booths across states and Union Territories has been finalized based on population ratios. Uttar Pradesh has been allotted the highest number with 17 booths. Bihar and Maharashtra will each receive nine booths, reflecting their population size. Other states and Union Territories will receive a proportionate number to ensure nationwide coverage and accessibility. Additionally, state governments have been encouraged to independently establish similar facilities if they wish to expand participation further.

Year Long National Celebrations Approved

Earlier, in September, the Union Cabinet approved a year long, countrywide celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The objective of these celebrations is to revive the revolutionary and patriotic spirit associated with the song and to connect modern India with its historical roots. The commemorative program includes cultural events, educational activities, and public participation campaigns across the nation.

Digital Campaign Gains Massive Response

Following the cabinet approval, the Ministry of Culture launched a digital initiative titled Karaoke with Vande Mataram. Under this campaign, individuals can record their singing and upload it directly on the official website. The response has been overwhelming, with more than 2.96 crore participants already contributing their renditions online. This large scale participation highlights the emotional and cultural significance the song continues to hold for citizens.

Phygital Model for Cultural Archiving

According to official documents, the Vande Mataram Karaoke booths are conceptualized as a hybrid phygital model. This approach combines in person engagement with digital archiving and sharing. The recorded performances will form a digital repository that documents how citizens across generations and regions connect with the national song. This model also allows for easy sharing on digital platforms, amplifying the campaign’s reach.

Historical Significance of Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram was originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was later included in his novel Anandamath, published in 1882. The song gained prominence during India’s freedom movement and became a symbol of resistance and unity. It was first sung at a Congress session in Calcutta in 1896 by Rabindranath Tagore, further cementing its place in national consciousness.

From Freedom Slogan to National Song

The phrase Vande Mataram was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905, during the Swadeshi movement. Over time, it became synonymous with the struggle for independence. In 1950, the Constituent Assembly officially adopted Vande Mataram as the national song of India, recognizing its historical and emotional importance.

Encouraging Collective and Individual Singing Events

As part of the anniversary celebrations, both mass singing events and individual participation activities are being organized across the country. These events aim to foster a shared sense of pride and cultural identity, making the 150th anniversary a truly people driven celebration.