The Ministry of Railways organised a cultural programme at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi today marking the fourth phase of the year-long celebrations commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram. The year-long celebrations were organised in four phases through a series of activities highlighting national unity, patriotism and India’s rich cultural heritage associated with the National Song.

The fourth phase celebrations included mass singing, essay competition, quiz and tiranga rally. The first phase commenced with a mass singing of Vande Mataram on 7th November last year. In the second phase, an essay competition on the theme “Vande Mataram: The Spirit of Unity in India’s Diversity” was organised at Railway Board on 22nd January this year followed by a quiz competition based on the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram in the third phase on 10th August.

The Ministry of Railways informed that the Railway Board Cultural Group was also felicitated for its contribution to the successful organisation of various programmes throughout the year-long celebrations. The Ministry added that the group was awarded a prize along with a merit certificate in recognition of its efforts.