‘We Will Show This to Congress’: Murlidhar Mohol at Pune’s ‘Vande Mataram’ Event
Pune, 22nd August 2026: The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus witnessed a strong display of patriotism on Friday as thousands of young people gathered for a special musical programme and joined in a collective rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The programme, titled ‘Youth Ki Awaaz’, was organised by the Vande Mataram Kruti Samiti, Pune, near the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar on the university campus. The event featured patriotic songs, slogans and a collective singing session that drew an enthusiastic response from the youth.
Slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram Ke Samman Mein, Desh Ka Yuva Maidan Mein’ reverberated across the campus.
The musical programme featured songs including Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye, Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon, Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe, Jai Ho, Jai Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, Shoor Aamhi Sardar and Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat.
The organisers also highlighted the history and significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and featured in his novel Anandamath. The song went on to become an important source of inspiration during India’s freedom movement. Rabindranath Tagore sang it at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, the organisers said.
At the end of the programme, the lights at the venue were dimmed and thousands of participants switched on their mobile phone flashlights. The illuminated university ground created a visual resembling a sky full of stars as youngsters raised their phones and joined in the collective rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge to contribute to the building of a developed India.
Murlidhar Mohol backs youth gathering
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol congratulated the youth of Pune and said young people would not stop at singing the complete version of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Addressing the gathering, Mohol said, “The patriotic youth of Pune will sing the complete Vande Mataram today. We are using the right given to us by the Constitution to sing Vande Mataram.”
He also criticised sections of the Congress party over their opposition to singing the complete version of the song. Mohol said those opposing it should apologise to the country, freedom fighters and the Constitution.
“Patriotic youth will not remain silent without singing the complete Vande Mataram. We will show this to the Congress. You are the strength and power of the country. We are with you,” Mohol said.
The event brought together young participants, organisers and members of the public for a programme centred on patriotism, the history of ‘Vande Mataram’ and youth participation in nation-building.
