TNR News Network
Dharamshala:
In a unique initiative aimed at fostering patriotism, Dharamshala MLA and former Congress minister-turned-BJP leader Sudhir Sharma has announced that residents should begin their phone conversations with “Vande Mataram” instead of the traditional “hello”.
The announcement was made to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17, 2025, as part of the BJP’s Seva Pakhwada campaign.
Addressing a gathering in Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma said the move is a step toward “reviving a sense of unity and national identity” in everyday communication. “Why say ‘hello-hello’ when we have a powerful salutation like Vande Mataram — a greeting that resonates with our culture, our freedom struggle and our identity,” he remarked.
He added that the phrase, immortalised by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay during India’s freedom movement, is already popular among many young Indians. “I have noticed how today’s youth greet each other with ‘Vande Mataram’ in rallies and cultural events. This initiative simply brings that spirit into daily life — starting with a phone call,” Sharma said.
Inspired by youth, dedicated to the nation
The BJP MLA stated that the idea to popularise Vande Mataram came from observing young people who increasingly look up to freedom fighters and national icons. Launching it on the Prime Minister’s birthday, he said, was symbolic and a tribute to a leader who has inspired a generation with his vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
“This initiative is not just about changing a greeting but changing mindsets. It reminds us every day that we are citizens of a great nation, and that our words, even in casual conversations, can reflect that pride,” Sharma said.
Part of Seva Pakhwada celebrations
The initiative is part of the BJP’s two-week-long Seva Pakhwada programme running from September 17, highlighting themes of service, nationalism and development across India. Sudhir Sharma said he hopes the greeting catches on beyond Himachal Pradesh and becomes a movement of sorts, especially among the youth, students and public servants.
He concluded by urging citizens to adopt Vande Mataram as a daily practice. “When we begin conversations with such a powerful word, we begin them with respect — not just for the person on the other end, but for the nation itself.”
