To commemorate 150 Years of National Pride, “Vande Mataram” , the District Administration Bandipora organised a series of awareness and participatory activities at Wullar Vantage Park, bringing together patriotism, youth engagement, and environmental responsibility.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, along with senior district officers, visited the exhibition area and interacted with participants. The thematic exhibition, installed by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Bandipora and presented by students of Government Degree College (GDC) Bandipora, highlighted the historical evolution, national significance, and enduring relevance of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom movement.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the clarity and student-led presentation of the exhibits. The programme featured a Birding and Binocular Exhibition to sensitise participants about the rich avian biodiversity of Wullar Lake and its importance as a critical wetland and habitat for migratory birds.
A Painting Competition was also organised, wherein students expressed themes of Vande Mataram, patriotism, national unity, and environmental conservation through their creative works. To promote environmental awareness and public participation, a Walkathon was organised along the Wullar Pathway, with participants carrying messages advocating cleanliness, responsible waste management, and biodiversity protection.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner remarked, “Respect for nature is respect for Bharat. Vande Mataram is not merely a song but an emotion that binds us to our land, our history, and our responsibility towards the nation.”
She noted that holding the programme at Wullar Lake carried special significance, as the lake is central to the identity of Bandipora, and stressed the need to actively involve youth in protecting the lake from pollution and ecological degradation.
The programme also included the collective listening of the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by a pledge by participants to uphold national unity and harmony. Winners of the Birding Awareness Activity, Painting Competition, and Walkathon were felicitated by the Deputy Commissioner for their enthusiasm and performance.
The event concluded with a strong sense of pride and collective resolve, reinforcing the message of national unity and environmental stewardship. The programme witnessed active participation from senior district officers, students, youth, officials, and members of the public.