Bhubaneswar: In a historic display of cultural unity and patriotic fervor, the state of Odisha resonated with the soulful strains of Vande Mataram as over twenty-one lakh participants joined together in a synchronized tribute.
Organized by the Departments of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Higher Education, School & Mass Education and Sports & Youth Services, the massive event spanned more than sixteen thousand institutions, creating a collective voice that echoed from the coastal belts to the tribal hinterlands.
The initiative was meticulously executed under the guidance of Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
To ensure the program was foolproof, Dr. Upadhyaya maintained direct coordination with the Collectors of all thirty districts, overseeing every logistical detail to ensure the simultaneous singing remained seamless across diverse geographies.
Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, the Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, expressed deep satisfaction and joy at the overwhelming success of the event.
He noted that the sight of millions of citizens, students, and officials coming together at a single moment served as a testament to the deep-rooted pride Odisha holds for the national song and its cultural identity.
The scale of the participation turned schools, government offices, and public squares into vibrant hubs of nationalistic spirit. Observers noted that the flawless coordination reflected a significant achievement for the state administration, successfully mobilizing a massive segment of the population to celebrate a shared heritage through a singular, powerful melody.