All educational institutions across Odisha will collectively sing ‘Vande Mataram’ on January 12, 2026 . This statewide program coincides with National Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda Jayanti . The initiative aims to foster national consciousness and patriotic fervour among students and young adults across the state.
The program mandates several student activities. Students must recite the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp.” This pledge emphasizes self-reliance and local production. Each educational institution will also nominate one student as an “Atmanirbhar Bharat Ambassador.” These ambassadors will promote the principles of self-reliant India within their respective institutions.
Program Oversight and Engagement
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture department oversees this comprehensive statewide program. The department has issued official directives to all educational institutions. It has specifically instructed all district collectors to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the entire program.
Engagement activities extend beyond collective singing. Various competitions will be organized for students. These competitions aim to enhance participation and understanding of patriotic themes. Meritorious participants will receive official felicitation, acknowledging their contributions and achievements.
Youth clubs throughout Odisha will actively participate. These clubs will join the collective singing program. Their involvement broadens the program’s reach, engaging young people both within and outside formal schooling environments. This ensures widespread youth participation across the state.
Statewide Training Initiatives for Vande Mataram
A comprehensive statewide training program for ‘Vande Mataram’ is underway. This training prepares all participants for the collective singing event. The program focuses on standardizing the rendition, ensuring smooth and harmonized singing across all participating institutions.
For efficient execution, Odisha has strategically divided the state into five distinct training zones. These zones facilitate localized and accessible training sessions. The designated zones include Jeypore, Berhampur, Balasore, Sambalpur, and Bhubaneswar , covering key regions of the state.
Zonal Training Rollout Schedule
The zonal training programs commenced in December 2025 . Initial sessions successfully concluded in Berhampur, Balasore, and Jeypore during that month. These early trainings set the precedent for subsequent zonal programs.
The Sambalpur zonal training program concluded on January 2, 2026 . The final zonal training, for the Bhubaneswar zone, finished on Saturday, January 6, 2026 . This concluding session was notably held at Utkal University, a prominent educational institution in the state capital.
Culture Minister Addresses Participants
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj addressed participants at the Bhubaneswar zonal training. His address took place at Utkal University during the final session. Minister Suraj emphasized the profound historical and emotional significance of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Suraj stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ served as the powerful voice of India’s freedom movement. He highlighted its enduring relevance in today’s society. He affirmed the song’s role in inspiring national consciousness and igniting patriotic fervour among citizens.
The Minister further commented on the song’s intrinsic power. He noted that ‘Vande Mataram’ instills courage and strength among all citizens. His remarks underscored the cultural and unifying importance of the upcoming collective singing event across Odisha.
The statewide observance on January 12, 2026 , represents a significant cultural and national event for Odisha. It aims to unite students and youth in a shared patriotic experience, commemorating important national ideals. The Odia Language, Literature and Culture department will monitor the program’s execution and overall impact.