Soulful melody of oneness

INDEPENDENCE DAY | Despite an initial flurry of misguided controversies, the National Anthem of India emerged as an exquisite embodiment of the harmonious symphony of unity and diversity

- SANDIP BANERJEE

Long ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and eventually, as we awoke to life and freedom, it was the deliverance of a nation that had been fettered in the bondage of colonialism for two centuries. India emerged as a free nation, and August 15, 1947, marked the end of oppression for millions who had grovelled in humiliation and insults, crushed heavily under the wheels of British imperialism.

With our Independence, we needed to establish our entity and identity. This was no mean task, for India has always stood as an exemplar of diversity. We needed a National Flag, and our choice was the beloved Tricolour. We also required a National Anthem that would bear our national identity to the world. It would not merely be a song but rather the very spirit of our motherland, encapsulating its demographic and geo-cultural expanse, while also inspiring humility within us. Our minds would join silently in its singing, evoking a profound sense of patriotism and filling us with pride for our cultural legacy.

As per Article 51A(a) of the Indian Constitution: “Every Indian Citizen has responsibility to uphold the Constitutional values and institutions, as well as the National Flag and the National Anthem”.

On January 24, 1950, India adopted “Jana Gana Mana” as its National Anthem. India’s first President and the President of the Constituent Assembly, Rajendra Prasad, declared, “The composition consisting of the words Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem of India, subject to such alterations in the words as the Government may authorize as occasion arises.” Therefore, our National Anthem is “Jana Gana Mana,” composed by Rabindranath Tagore. Incidentally, the National Anthem of Bangladesh, “Amar Sonar Bangla,” is also penned by Tagore.