New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday said that the Union government will strive to spread the cultural and national spirit of Vande Mataram to the masses, culminating in a grand event on Republic Day.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the 150th year of the national song Vande Mataram, the Union Minister said, "The first phase of this program will be from today, November 7-14, which will be the inaugural week. In this, the first publication of Vande Mataram was published in Banga Darshan in 1875, Anandmath book was being published in different parts at that time. To commemorate this historic moment, efforts will be made to have Vande Mataram sung collectively across the country"

The Minister added that...