Agartala, 13th August 2026 : Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College is preparing for a unique Independence Day celebration this year with a special programme, ‘Sahasrakanthe Vande Mataram’, where more than 1,300 students, teachers, staff and alumni are expected to come together to sing *Vande Mataram in unison.
The programme will be held at the college premises at 6:30 am on August 15, marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The organisers initially planned the participation of 1,000 people, but the overwhelming enthusiasm among students has resulted in registrations crossing 1,300, with participation expected to rise further.
Professor Gautam Saha, Convener of the college’s Media Cell, said the initiative aims to make Independence Day more meaningful by combining the celebration of freedom with patriotism and national consciousness among students. He also appealed to the media to highlight the programme across Tripura, the country and, if possible, internationally.
MBB College Principal Prof. Dr Arjun Gope said the event would be particularly significant as participants are preparing to perform all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. He noted that since 1950, the first two stanzas have generally been sung on official occasions, while the present initiative seeks to present the complete composition through a large collective performance.
The Principal said the event could be a first of its kind in Tripura, with a thousand-plus participants performing the full composition together. He also underlined the historic contribution of Vande Mataram to India’s freedom struggle and urged people and former students of MBB College, including those living outside the state and abroad, to connect with the event.
Dr Mahua Acharjee, Convener of the programme, said the response from students had exceeded expectations. She said their enthusiasm demonstrated a strong desire to participate in an event that could become a memorable chapter in the college’s history.
The organisers said the programme reflects MBB College’s continuing effort to nurture patriotism and national consciousness alongside academic education.
