Patriotic songs-Their importance in our lives

Music played an important role during India’s struggle for independence. Songs like ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’, ‘Mera Rang de Basanti Chola’ and others inspired the masses. Patriotic songs have a great influence on everyone. Even those who do not listen to songs much are moved by those that portray our country as the greatest among all.

It is said that Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, was moved to tears after hearing ‘Ae Mere Watan ke Logon’. Besides, the soulful voice of Lata Mangeshkar, the lyric by Kavi Pradeep was meaningful and suited the situation that the country was facing then. The lyricist was moved by the casualties of the war, especially the stand of ‘C’ Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment at the ‘First battle of Rezang La’. The song has been remastered several times and is still popular.

Rabindranath Tagore, the legendary litterateur, wrote the lyrics of several patriotic songs. Some were in Bengali and are a part of Rabindra Sangeet. His ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is the national anthem of India. It was written originally in Bengali and was later translated into Hindi. Another song from Rabindra Sangeet, which inspired youngsters to stand up against injustice, even if nobody was with them, was ‘Ekla Cholo Re’.

Patriotic songs have been popular in Hindi films also. Who can forget, ‘Mere Desh ki Dharti’. Another song, ‘De di Humein Azaadi Bina Khadag Bina Dhal’ from the film, ‘Jagruti’ highlights the achievements of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who without resorting to violence and by means of non-violence and truth threw the Britishers out of India. Manoj Kumar showed the world what it means to be an Indian with the song, ‘Hai Preet Jahan ki Reet Sada’. It was sung by Mahendra Kapoor and was from the film, ‘Purab aur Paschim’.

In recent times, A.R. Rahman passionately sang the number, ‘Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera’ from the film, ‘Swades’. It is meant for people who leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon is also known as the ‘brain drain’. Although the meaning and situation for which patriotic songs are composed have changed over the years, the appeal however remains the same.