Celebrating 150 Years of Vande Mataram – The Almere Moment That Lit Up the Netherlands!
The Song That Still Gives Us Chills After 150 Years
“Vande Mataram” is more than a melody; it is a heartbeat for millions of Indians worldwide. Every Indian grows up with Vande Mataram running in their blood. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, it wasn’t just a poem, it was fire. Freedom fighters sang it in jails; kids whispered it in secret meetings, and today, 150 years later, it still makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. In Almere, hearing those opening lines “Vande Mataram… Sujalam, Suphalam…” feels like a warm hug from home. And that’s exactly why this anniversary hit is different.
When the Indian Embassy Knocked on Our Door
Picture the scene: When the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, announced global celebrations for the 150-year milestone, the Embassy of India in The Hague reached out to Swaralaya School of Music, Almere, for a tribute.
Swaralaya School of Music is not just an Indian music school in the Netherlands. It is a vibrant community of learners, teachers, families and artists who celebrate Indian heritage through music every single day. Our school has woven Indian classical traditions into the cultural fabric of Almere, and this invitation recognized that commitment.
81 Voices. One Weekend. Infinite Passion.
Once the request came in, the answer was immediate YES!
In true Swaralaya spirit:
- 81 singers and instrumentalists stepped forward
- rehearsals ran across two dedicated days, fueled by tea, snacks, laughter
- filming took place during Almere’s breathtaking golden hour
- our sound engineering team worked tirelessly to perfect every note
From beginners to advanced vocalists, from children discovering ragas to adults reclaiming their musical journey, everyone stood together to honour India’s priceless national song.
Watch the Official Vande Mataram Tribute Video
Almere Went Viral: A Moment That Stopped the Internet
When the Indian Embassy published the video on its official social platforms, something magical happened.
The Netherlands paused to listen.
Within hours, comments poured in:
- “My daughter is in this video!”
- “Almere looks incredible, where was this filmed?”
- “Dutch colleagues asked for a translation!”
- “Proud of our community!”
The tribute quickly became one of the most watched posts ever shared by the Indian Mission in the Netherlands, reaching Indians, Dutch audiences, Surinamese families, and expats across Europe.
This was more than a video. It was a moment of unity.
Why This Tribute Mattered So Deeply
The beauty of this performance was not just in the music; it was in the togetherness.
It didn’t matter if someone was from Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Suriname, or born here in the Netherlands. For those few minutes, we were one voice, one family, one song bridging cultures and generations.
Children gained confidence. Parents felt pride.
Swaralaya School of Music: Your Home for Indian Music in the Netherlands
Swaralaya School of Music has always believed in preserving and spreading Indian cultural heritage in the Netherlands through music, whether classical, devotional, light music or instrumental arts. This project reaffirmed that mission.
We continue to offer:
- Indian classical vocal training.
- Carnatic & Hindustani classes in Almere.
- Instrumental lessons (Veena, Violin, Mridangam, Keyboard, Guitar & more)
- Kids & teens music Batch.
- Group singing sessions.
Join Swaralaya School of Music – Enrol, Learn & Shine
Whether you are:
- A parent seeking cultural connections for their child.
- A beginner hoping to start your musical journey.
- A trained singer wishing to refine your skills.
- An adult rediscovering Indian music after years.
- Or someone who simply wants to be part of a passionate community.
Swaralaya welcomes you warmly.
Vande Mataram
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