Kiphire/Tamenglong, Aug 8: Assam Rifles under Spear Corps commemorated 150 years of Vande Mataram through a series of patriotic outreach programmes across the northeastern states, bringing together students, villagers and troops to celebrate the enduring spirit of national unity and pride.

At Pungro in Nagaland’s Kiphire district, more than 500 students participated in a painting competition organised as part of the celebrations. The event provided young participants an opportunity to express their understanding of patriotism, national identity and the legacy of Vande Mataram through art.
In Tamenglong, Manipur, the celebrations featured motivational lectures and awareness sessions highlighting the historical significance and enduring legacy of the iconic national song. Students and community members also participated in patriotic competitions and first-aid training sessions aimed at combining civic awareness with practical skills.
An immersive drone-flying experience was another highlight of the programme, offering students an opportunity to engage with modern technology while adding an innovative dimension to the celebrations.
The outreach extended to Thoubal and Sehlon in Manipur’s Chandel district, where students, villagers and Assam Rifles personnel participated in collective renditions of Vande Mataram, poster campaigns and other community activities.
The programmes were designed not merely as commemorative events but as platforms for connecting communities, particularly young people, with the country's cultural and patriotic heritage. The participation of local residents and students also reinforced the importance of community engagement in promoting social harmony and national integration.
The celebrations reflected the wider significance of Vande Mataram, which has remained a powerful symbol of India's freedom struggle and national consciousness for generations. By taking the commemoration to schools and communities across remote areas of the Northeast, Assam Rifles sought to encourage younger generations to understand and carry forward its legacy.
The events also strengthened interaction between troops and local communities, creating opportunities for students and villagers to participate in activities beyond routine security engagements.
Through art, awareness programmes, patriotic performances, technology demonstrations and community participation, the celebrations highlighted the message of unity in diversity and reaffirmed the shared spirit of the people and security forces across the Northeast.