Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will today launch the 'Vande Mataram' initiative in the state.<br />'' <br />'' The launch of the initiative commensurates with the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.<br />'' <br />'' The initiative will be binding on the government employees to say 'Vande Mataram' instead of 'hello', the first word spoken when a phone call is made.<br />'' <br />'' Mr. Fadnavis will launch this initiative from Wardha, a place in Vidarbha region, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed.<br />'' <br />'' When Gandhiji started his padayatra in 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi for the Salt Satyagraha, he had decided not to return to Sabarmati till independence for India was attained. Mahatma Gandhi came to Wardha in 1934, at the invitation of Jamnalalji Bajaj. In April 1936, Gandhiji established his residence in the village Shegaon which he renamed as Sevagram, which means 'village of service'.<br />'' <br />'' Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the government has resolved to make this initiative successful with the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.<br />''<br />'' Mungantiwar said that Vande Mataram is not a mere slogan but has a glorifying history to its credit. The state government has also decided to create awareness among people through short-films.<br />'' <br />'' The state tourism and cultural affairs department has urged government employees, employees of the semi-government offices, aided and non-aided government offices, local-self bodies, universities, schools and educational institutions to say Vande Mataram instead of Hello when they begin conversation on phone with their colleagues or guest.<br />