HSS Cyprus and Help2Live Mark 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram'

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Cyprus and the Help2Live Foundation brought over 130 members of the Indian community together at the Parklane Resort in Limassol on 9th November 2025, marking 150 years since "Vande Mataram" — "I Bow to Thee, Mother" — was written.

The song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s and first published in his 1882 novel Anandamath, became a rallying symbol of unity and patriotic devotion during India's independence movement. For diaspora communities today, it remains a cultural touchstone connecting people back to that heritage.

The Limassol event included a communal singing of the song alongside High Commission of India officials, a light show tracing its history, patriotic dance performances, a children's craft workshop and refreshments.

HSS Cyprus Country Secretary Shri Sharma spoke about passing that legacy on, saying the hope is that "our children will carry this legacy forward with the same pride and reverence" by the song's 200th anniversary.

Watch a related clip shared by the Indian High Commission in Cyprus: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17PSkt7wzz/?mibextid=wwXIfr