Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday said 'Vande Mataram' is not merely a song but the embodiment of sacrifice, patriotism and national unity that inspired India’s freedom struggle.The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a photo exhibition organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) at Vivek Vardhini Educational Institutions to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram and promote the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat".Recalling the role of 'Vande Mataram' in uniting Indians against the British “divide and rule” policies, Kishan Reddy said the slogan transcended caste, religion and regional divides, echoing through movements from the 1905 Bengal Partition to the Quit India Movement of 1942.

He highlighted Hyderabad’s historic Vande Mataram movement of 1938, which was banned by the Nizam’s regime, leading to sacrifices by students and intellectuals. He also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the integration of Hyderabad with India, calling it a moment of lasting pride.Marking the 150th anniversary, the Minister urged the citizens to actively contribute to nation-building and the vision of "Viksit Bharat".

On this occasion, Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, CBC and PIB, said Vande Mataram continues to inspire generations and reflects India’s resilience and inner strength. She noted that the exhibition aims to rekindle national pride and deepen citizens’ emotional and cultural connection with the country.

The exhibition, featuring rare photographs on Vande Mataram and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, will remain open to the public till December 31, 2025, and includes interactive quizzes and digital selfie kiosks to engage youth.