Jaipur, Nov. 8 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday described "Vande Mataram" as a symbol of India's collective spirit and eternal devotion to the motherland, saying the iconic song gave voice to the freedom struggle and continues to inspire generations. He was addressing the state-level celebration marking 150 years of the national song "Vande Mataram" at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. "Today, we are witnessing a historic moment - 150 years of the great song that awakened India's national consciousness. Vande Mataram is not just a song; it is the soul of our collective identity and a call from within our hearts," Sharma said. Recalling its origins, he said when Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the immortal verses in Anandmath, even he could not have imagined that it would become the war cry for India's independence. "It became the life-force of the freedom movement and the mantra of revolutionaries," he noted. The CM highlighted how leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sang Vande Mataram while announcing the provisional government of the Azad Hind Fauj, and how many freedom fighters went to the gallows with the same words on their lips. "The British feared it so much that they even banned it from being sung publicly," he said. Sharma said the song holds immense power to unite Indians and infuse them with inner strength. "It is not merely a political slogan but a spiritual force that connects us to our roots and shared identity. Even today, its message is deeply relevant as we envision a developed and self-reliant India," he said. Commending the central government's decision to celebrate Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary nationwide from October 1, Sharma said the movement aims to reconnect citizens-especially youth and students-with the song's revolutionary essence. "In every home and street of Rajasthan, the echoes of Vande Mataram resonate. From Maharana Pratap and Rani Padmini to Durgadas Rathore and countless martyrs, this land has written timeless stories of courage and sacrifice," he said. Sharma urged the youth to learn the song's history and meaning, not just recite it. "Foreign influences dominate social media, but we must remain rooted in our culture. Sing Vande Mataram, feel it in your heart, and express patriotism through action, not mere slogans," he appealed. He emphasised that freedom was won through immense sacrifice and that it was every citizen's duty to protect and strengthen it. "The two words 'Vande Mataram' remind us that we are children of Bharat Mata. Our responsibility is to take our nation to the highest peak of progress," Sharma said, urging everyone to live by the song's spirit and keep national interest above all. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Sharma said, "Arise, awake, and conquer the world - the time has come for India's youth to shine globally." He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India was making remarkable strides in every field. "Following his vision, the Rajasthan government is working towards a developed state - empowering youth with jobs, uplifting farmers, and ensuring women's welfare," he said....