Radhakrishnan on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) said the national song Vande Mataram played a crucial role in awakening patriotism among Indians and uniting people across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds during the freedom struggle. "Our freedom struggle was an awakening of the Indian mind, the Indian spirit, and the Indian consciousness. They were a source of courage, sacrifice, and hope," he said, adding that many freedom fighters went to the gallows with "Vande Mataram" in their hearts. He said many of the brave inmates of the Cellular Jail walked to the gallows singing Vande Mataram. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy were among those present.