Bhubaneswar, January 12: More than 50 lakh students, teachers, and staff across Odisha participated in a mass rendition of Vande Mataram on Monday, marking the 150th anniversary of the iconic national song by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The event, organized by the state's school and higher education departments, included institutions from the skill development and technical education sectors as well.

The assembly had earlier passed a resolution urging the state government to commemorate the 150th year of Vande Mataram across Odisha. Along with singing the national song, participants also took the pledge of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp' on National Youth Day.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj praised the event, calling it a historic moment, and thanked all participants for making it a success. The mass rendition took place simultaneously at 11 am across the state, with institutions sharing photos and videos, and organizing quizzes and debates as part of the celebrations. At Utkal University, the event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor and PG Council chairperson, with participants also taking the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge.