The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has commenced a seven-day Vande Mataram Camp at Brainware University in Barasat, Kolkata. The camp, running from June 24 to June 30, 2026, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
A total of 150 young participants from six states and union territories - Gujarat, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands - are participating in the camp. The initiative is organized around the theme "One Song, One Spirit, One Nation" and aims to foster national integration, patriotism, and appreciation of India's constitutional values and cultural heritage. The program specifically seeks to strengthen the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative by promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchanges among youth from different regions.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Sankar Gangopadhyay (Vice Chancellor, Brainware University), Shri Deb Kumar Chatterjee (State Director, MY Bharat), Smt. Rizwi Sahnaz Rahman (Deputy Director, MY Bharat), Shri Anup Kumar Maiti (Dean of Students' Welfare), and Shri Madhab Bandhyopadhyay (NSS Officer). The ceremony featured traditional lamp lighting, floral tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's portrait, and a rendition of Vande Mataram by the Brainware University NSS Unit.
The camp's first day included participant registration from various states and union territories, orientation sessions, and delegate interactions. The evening featured cultural exchange performances where participants showcased regional traditions, followed by a group dance themed on Vande Mataram and collective singing of the national song.
Throughout the week-long program, participants will engage in sessions on constitutional and civic values, the historical significance of Vande Mataram, youth leadership development, cultural exchange activities, and discussions on youth-related issues. The program is designed to nurture informed, responsible nation-builders while strengthening national unity and social harmony.