Mumbai, Dec. 25 -- Union Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised that the country will observe several important occasions on Thursday, including the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Goyal said, "The entire country is celebrating the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, 350 years of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."

"In a way, this is a time to revive the country's culture, history, and heritage and to awaken the spirit of patriotism among the countrymen... Tomorrow, we will all celebrate the birth centenary of Atal...