When was the last time you actually saw hues of saffron, white, green and blue together? Of course, you are seeing them all together on this very site. Noticed the logo of Mouthshut? Or the general color-combinations used? Now, before I forget, here’s wishing everyone a joyous Independence Day.
The same day when our tricolor unfurled, free of the British chains and waved for the first time with pride in the skies 56 years ago. like it does today. India and its people have grown magnamiously in the past 56 years; in its vision of the world and in its awareness of its strengths. though there are still miles to go, much to achieve, much to reform and much to control. but there’s this stern feeling inside every Indian that connects him directly to his motherland; to the land which has been instrumental in shaping up his character, to the land who has lended him his identity, and that feeling is patriotism!
Patriotism and Indian music have long been blended together in countless melodies, in different moods, in different situations, in different genres of Cinema. yet all of them invigorate that pure feeling every time you hear them. And what better day to hear to them all, than on the day when we stood free. so come, let’s wander through the lanes of the most famous patriotic ditties, and indulge in the flavour of patriotism.
The supreme. and the most sung.
Whoever can forget the infectiousness which our national song embodies. practically no Indian! Sung and re-sung; tuned, and re-tuned, patriotism never reached such galaxian heights!) as with Vande Mataram. At this moment, I remember just three versions which have me mesmerised each time I hear them.
*Vande Mataram! Sujalam, suphalam,
malayaja shitalam, Shasyashyamalam,
Mataram!
Shubhrajyothsna pulakitayaminim
Phullakusumita drumadala shobinim
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim,
Sukhadam varadam, Mataram! *
(Taken from the movie Anand Math, sung fabulously by the nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar, this one boasts of the original lyrics, as penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, it remains one of the best tunes conveying the feelings of every prostrated Indian towards his motherland! Simply unbeatable!)
Maa Tujhe Salaam. Vande Mataram
(Released in 1997 at the confluence of India’s 50th Independence Day, this one was sung with full gusto by the present music maestro A.R. Rehman, and remains one of the most powerful tunes ever sung for India. bringing together the rustiness, and the soul of Indian soil in the most brilliant blend ever heard of!)
*Ahsaas Thoda to Jagaaye Apne Dilon Mein Hum.Vande Mataram
Kya Naam Hai Apna Jahaan Mein, Khade Hain Kahaan Pe hum. Vande Mataram
Humse Pooche Hai Yeh Maatre Watan. Vande Mataram*
(Vande Mataram has always been bowing before the motherland, but this version sung by Lata Mangeshkar holds one more value- that of realisation of one’s responsibility in changing times. Powerfully composed by Ranjit Barot, this one is again an awesome inspirational song!)
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Besides the national song and the anthem, there have been countless other ditties which have impressed us over the years. Below are some of the most memorable ones, with the feelings they instantly conveyed.
*The fervour of leadership was reflected in.
Apni Azaadi ko hum hargiz mita saktey naheen,
sar kata saktey hain lekin, sar jhuka saktey naheen.*
(From the film Leader, sung by Mohd. Rafi and tuned by Naushad, the inimitable foot-tapping music makes it one of the most passionate tunes ever made on freedom fighters!)
*Kar Chaley hum Fida jaan-o-tan Saathiyon
Ab tumhaarey hawaaley watan saathiyon*
(Taken from the film Haqeeqat, sung with utmost passion by Mohd. Rafi and musically tuned by Madan Mohan, there hasn’t been a better tribute to the Indian soldier!)
*Hum Laaye Hain Toofan se Kashti Nikaal ke,
Iss Desh ko Rakhna Mere Bachchon sambhal ke*
(Taken from the film Jaagriti, sung by Mohd. Rafi and music by Hemant Kumar, wonderfully conveys the passing of responsibility to the young generation!)
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*The poignancy of selfless love mirrored in.
Aye watan ay watan humko teri kasam,
Teri raahon mein jaan tak luta jaaayenge*
(From the film Shaheed, sung by Mohd. Rafi, and tuned by Prem Dhawan, the feverish excitement to sacrifice one’s life for one’s motherland didn’t come in purer words.)
*Aye mere Pyaare watan, Aye merey bichde chaman,
Tujh pe dil qurban.*
(From the film Kabuliwala, sung with eye-moistening emotion by Manna Dey, and tuned by Salil Chaudhary, remembering India in its profuse earthiness is what tugs at you!)
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*The dedication of every Indian’s actions conveyed in.
Har Karam Apna Karenge Aye Watan Tere Liye,
Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge Aye Watan Tere Liye.*
(From the film Karma, sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Mohd. Aziz and tuned by Laxmikant Pyarelal, once again that mesh of dedication, love, sacrifice and responsibility towards one’s country is conveyed in the purest of the words.)
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*That pride in being an Indian felt in.
Saare Jahaan Se Achcha Hindustan Hamaara,
Hum bulbule hain iske, Yeh Gulsita Hamaara Hamaara.*
(From the film Jagriti, sung by Lata Mangeshkar and tuned by Amar Mohile, this could well be our national song considering the innumerable times its been sung by probably every Indian child! Perhaps the diversity of the Indian land didn’t come across so beautifully save for the national anthem!)
*Hai preet jahaan ki reet sadaa, main geet wahaan ke gaata hoon,
Bharat ka rehnewala hoon, bharat ki baat sunata hoon. *
(From the film Purab aur Paschim, sung by Mahendra Kapoor and tuned by Kalyanji Anandji, the prelude and the theme clearly suggests how India has proved a veteran in many fields and how the world has simply followed her.reason enough for being proud of her!)
*Jahaan Daal Daal Par Sone ki Chidiya karti hai basera,
Woh Bharat Desh hai Mera*
(Taken from the film Sikandar-E-Azam, sung by Mohd. Rafi and tuned by Hansraj Behl, the song again boasts of everything that has made India special- culture, spirituality, faith, non-violence. this is another timeless tune!)
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*The desperation of moving ahead seen in.
Chodo kal ki baatein, kal ki Baat purani,
Naye daur mein likhenge mil kar nayee kahaaani.
Hum hindustani.Hum hindustani.*
(From the film Hum Hindustani, sung by Mukesh and tuned by Usha Khanna, this inspirational song depicts the metamorphosis of our country like no other!)
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*That innocence of a patriotic child.
Nanha Munna rahi hoon, Desh ka sipahi hoon,
Bolo mere sang jai hind!*
(From the film Son of India, sung by Shanti Mathur and tuned by Naushad, probably the first patriotic song that I had loved as a child, its one of the most enjoyable songs you can lend your ears to.)
CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.