<p>Indians all over the world celebrated Independence Day on Thursday (Aug 15) to commemorate the freedom of India from over 200 years of British rule. In India, the day is a major celebration of unity, patriotism and revolutions that shaped India centuries ago.</p>

<p>Patriotic fervour is a common sight in the country, both on the streets and on social media. People share tons of videos celebrating this significant day in India’s history. In one such video shared online, something unusual came to light- a group of Indians singing Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem along with some Pakistanis!</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-introduces-optional-one-day-menstrual-leave-for-women-working-in-government-and-private-sector-750499">Odisha introduces ‘optional’ one day paid menstrual leave for women employees in government and private sector</a></p>

<p>The video was shared on Instagram by a Pakistani journalist working with Ary News, a&nbsp;Pakistan-based media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“‘Divided by Britain, United in Britain’ Pakistanis and Indians celebrating Independence Day together, in this video audience showing respect to India’s National Anthem, previous video is of Pakistan’s national anthem equally respected by both Pakistanis and Indians at Piccadilly Circus and the credit goes to Singer Amir Hashmi,” Farid Qureshi wrote.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here.</em></p>

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<p>India and Pakistan were divided after the bloody partition of 1947 and got independence from the Britishers, with Pakistan celebrating its Independence Day on Aug 14, a day before India’s. Since their independence, both countries have fought three major wars and have&nbsp;indulged in various conflicts. People of both nations have seen only rivalry for years; hence, moments like these are rare for these two South Asian nations.</p>

<p>The video that went viral on social media, shows people with flags of both India and Pakistan singing Jana Gana Mana. A few of them are also spotted recording the moment.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-final-development-flight-small-rocket-sslv-now-aims-for-big-market-750569">After final development flight, small rocket SSLV now aims for big market</a></p>

<p>Since being shared, the video has garnered over 2.1 million views. It has also been showered with tons of heartfelt comments from people. While some shared that the video won them over, others argued that it is done only for social media views. A few reacted to the clip using heart emoticons.</p>

<p>An individual wrote, "This what Educated people do.” Another added, “Now this is Irony. Celebrating Independence Day in the same country Who we got rid of."</p>

<p>One wished, "No Border !!!! Just Politicians 🔥".</p>

<p>Another one wrote, "What a joke! want to earn British pounds, enjoy the UK lifestyle but want to show patriotism in another country when the women in India are not safe and such tragic incidents are happening with women every day. Hypocrisy is at its peak."</p>

<p>"Seriously, wht makes u guys do this kinna of Dramas, go back if u guyz miss ur country, let Britain be Britain 🇬🇧 have some respect," mentioned one Instagram user.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indians all over the world celebrated Independence Day on Thursday (Aug 15) to commemorate the freedom of India from over 200 years of British rule. In India, the day is a major celebration of unity, patriotism and revolutions that shaped India centuries ago.

Indians all over the world celebrated Independence Day on Thursday (Aug 15) to commemorate the freedom of India from over 200 years of British rule. In India, the day is a major celebration of unity, patriotism and revolutions that shaped India centuries ago. Patriotic fervour is a common sight in the country, both on the streets and on social media. People share tons of videos celebrating this significant day in India’s history. In one such video shared online, something unusual came to light- a group of Indians singing Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem along with some Pakistanis! Also Read | Odisha introduces ‘optional’ one day paid menstrual leave for women employees in government and private sector The video was shared on Instagram by a Pakistani journalist working with Ary News, a Pakistan-based media outlet. “‘Divided by Britain, United in Britain’ Pakistanis and Indians celebrating Independence Day together, in this video audience showing respect to India’s National Anthem, previous video is of Pakistan’s national anthem equally respected by both Pakistanis and Indians at Piccadilly Circus and the credit goes to Singer Amir Hashmi,” Farid Qureshi wrote. Watch the video here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farid Qureshi (@faridqureshi_uk) × India and Pakistan were divided after the bloody partition of 1947 and got independence from the Britishers, with Pakistan celebrating its Independence Day on Aug 14, a day before India’s. Since their independence, both countries have fought three major wars and have indulged in various conflicts. People of both nations have seen only rivalry for years; hence, moments like these are rare for these two South Asian nations. The video that went viral on social media, shows people with flags of both India and Pakistan singing Jana Gana Mana. A few of them are also spotted recording the moment. Also Read | After final development flight, small rocket SSLV now aims for big market Since being shared, the video has garnered over 2.1 million views. It has also been showered with tons of heartfelt comments from people. While some shared that the video won them over, others argued that it is done only for social media views. A few reacted to the clip using heart emoticons. An individual wrote, "This what Educated people do.” Another added, “Now this is Irony. Celebrating Independence Day in the same country Who we got rid of." One wished, "No Border !!!! Just Politicians 🔥". Another one wrote, "What a joke! want to earn British pounds, enjoy the UK lifestyle but want to show patriotism in another country when the women in India are not safe and such tragic incidents are happening with women every day. Hypocrisy is at its peak." "Seriously, wht makes u guys do this kinna of Dramas, go back if u guyz miss ur country, let Britain be Britain 🇬🇧 have some respect," mentioned one Instagram user. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistanis sing Jana Gana Mana with Indians in UK; some netizens like it, some call it 'irony' | Video

In an exclusive conversation with WION, American Singer Mary Millben, who gained immense fame for her singing the Indian National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana' on the global platform, talked about her busy week with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the joy of singing the national anthem on the global platform.

Mary Millben on 'Jana Gana Mana': Words include India's landscape, even PM Modi's Gujarat

<p>India celebrates Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagrore's birth anniversary on May 9. The prolific writer and song composer is the only poet whose songs were adapted as national anthems by two countries- India and Bangladesh. The Indian national anthem- <em>Jana Gana Mana </em>was originally composed by Tagore in 1911. The anthem only takes a few verses from the song Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata. The original song has five verses of which only the first stanza has been adapted as India's national anthem.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
To mark Tagore's 162nd birth anniversary, the official social media handle of the Nobel Prize organisation shared a rare image of the translated manuscript of the Indian national anthem. The script reportedly was written by Tagore himself. The original song, that we all know now, is in Bangla.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The image has received an overwhelming response, with many expressing appreciation for the post.<br />
<br />
“<em>Jana Gana Mana</em>&nbsp;is the national anthem of India, originally composed in Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was awarded the #NobelPrize in Literature in 1913. Pictured: An English translation of<em> Jana Gana Mana</em> by Tagore,” reads the caption alongside the picture shared on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Jana Gana Mana" (Bengali: [ɟənə gəɳə mənə]) is the national anthem of India, originally composed in Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was awarded the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> in Literature in 1913.<br />
<br />
Pictured: An English translation of Jana Gana Mana by Tagore <a href="https://t.co/m6uOjSzFzd">pic.twitter.com/m6uOjSzFzd</a></p>
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1654690973752999936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The timeless image has Tagore's handwritten note - and the English translation of <em>Jana Gana Mana</em> - titled as <em>The Morning Song Of India.</em></p>

<p><strong>About Rabindranath Tagore and Rabindra Jayanti&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Each year, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is celebrated with great fervour, especially among the Bengali community across the world. The day, known as Rabindra Jayanti, has become a cultural celebration, where the poet's works are sung and recited.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Various schools, colleges, and universities organise cultural programmes and events such as poetry recitations, dances, and drama competitions on this day.<br />
<br />
Born in 1861 to an affluent Zamindar family in Bengal, Tagore was mostly self-taught and homeschooled. He published his first work at the age of sixteen.</p>

<p>Tagore was not just a poet and songwriter but also a novelist and a playwright. He also delved in painting and sketching and established the Vishwa Bharati University in Shantiniketan. In 1913, he became the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetry collection, <em>Gitanjali</em>,&nbsp;which was first composed in Bengali and then translated into English.</p>


India celebrates Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagrore's birth anniversary on May 9. The prolific writer and song composer is the only poet whose songs were adapted as national anthems by two countries- India and Bangladesh.

India celebrates Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagrore's birth anniversary on May 9. The prolific writer and song composer is the only poet whose songs were adapted as national anthems by two countries- India and Bangladesh. The Indian national anthem- Jana Gana Mana was originally composed by Tagore in 1911. The anthem only takes a few verses from the song Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata. The original song has five verses of which only the first stanza has been adapted as India's national anthem. To mark Tagore's 162nd birth anniversary, the official social media handle of the Nobel Prize organisation shared a rare image of the translated manuscript of the Indian national anthem. The script reportedly was written by Tagore himself. The original song, that we all know now, is in Bangla. The image has received an overwhelming response, with many expressing appreciation for the post. “Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem of India, originally composed in Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was awarded the #NobelPrize in Literature in 1913. Pictured: An English translation of Jana Gana Mana by Tagore,” reads the caption alongside the picture shared on Twitter. "Jana Gana Mana" (Bengali: [ɟənə gəɳə mənə]) is the national anthem of India, originally composed in Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was awarded the #NobelPrize in Literature in 1913. Pictured: An English translation of Jana Gana Mana by Tagore pic.twitter.com/m6uOjSzFzd — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) May 6, 2023 × The timeless image has Tagore's handwritten note - and the English translation of Jana Gana Mana - titled as The Morning Song Of India. About Rabindranath Tagore and Rabindra Jayanti Each year, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is celebrated with great fervour, especially among the Bengali community across the world. The day, known as Rabindra Jayanti, has become a cultural celebration, where the poet's works are sung and recited. Various schools, colleges, and universities organise cultural programmes and events such as poetry recitations, dances, and drama competitions on this day. Born in 1861 to an affluent Zamindar family in Bengal, Tagore was mostly self-taught and homeschooled. He published his first work at the age of sixteen. Tagore was not just a poet and songwriter but also a novelist and a playwright. He also delved in painting and sketching and established the Vishwa Bharati University in Shantiniketan. In 1913, he became the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetry collection, Gitanjali, which was first composed in Bengali and then translated into English.

On Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, the poet's English translation of Jana Gana Mana goes viral

<p>It&#39;s a season of revisions in the Supreme Court. Just on the heels of its revisionist decision on Art 377, the Supreme Court today has reversed its order of November, 2016 where it had made mandatory for all cinema owners to play the national anthem and for all viewers to sing it before commencement of a movie all across the country. The court came out with this modification following the changed stance of the Centre, which suggested the court to make the singing of national anthem optional at the place of mandatory.&nbsp;A detailed guideline may come up on the matter once a 12-member inter-ministerial group constituted by the government formulates its recommendation on the Insult to National Honour Act, 1971, which may suggest how better we can respect our national symbols.</p>

<p>However, before you rejoice on the end of the so-called &lsquo;patriotic vigilantism&rsquo;, let me mention that the court made it clear that although playing the national anthem is optional for cinema halls if the same is chosen to be played then standing and singing the same shall remain mandatory.</p>

<p>To begin with, let&rsquo;s be straight. If patriotism brews within your heart, it will gush out. It will show up in your looks, body language, gestures and mannerism; no matter whether it&rsquo;s a school or a cinema, a place doesn&rsquo;t change the equation. However, if you haven&rsquo;t got what it takes, you&rsquo;ll look out for curious excuses. It&rsquo;s oxymoronic to have patriotism in your heart and not to rise for the national anthem.</p>

<p>At present, the intellectual landscape in India is rife with many such excuses over why one shouldn&rsquo;t rise and sing the national anthem.&nbsp;While listening to a petition of Cinema Association against the 2016 order, Justice Chandrachud had wondered in 2017 &ndash; &ldquo;Why do people have to wear their patriotism on their sleeves&hellip;People go to a movie theatre for undiluted entertainment&hellip;Society needs that entertainment?&rdquo; He took the matter a bit farther &ndash; &ldquo;In a movie theatre, people may be in shorts etc. So someone may say people are wearing shorts and showing disrespect to the national anthem. Where do we then draw the line on moral policing?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Of course, India is not a totalitarian state where all the activities of individual&rsquo;s life would be directed towards the glorification of the state, yet one must appreciate that in a land of staggering diversity like India, certain threads are required to keep us bonded. It&rsquo;s important to protect, preserve and promote such threads.</p>

<p>The question of singing the national anthem is enveloped in the larger debate of freedom of individual versus the intrusive nature of the state. Let me phrase the debate precisely &ndash; can a modern, progressive state intrude upon an individual&rsquo;s right to choice through coercive powers? Or more precisely, can the state force a particular notion of patriotism on its subjects and direct them to respect the national symbols as per its whims?</p>

<p>Actually, too many of them, the argument is existential. It&rsquo;s a part of the larger debate that runs in the society through the broader divide of liberalism versus conservatism. Whether India would promote the progressive values of liberty, freedom and choice or would she eventually drift to totalitarianism? A decisive resolution of this question would settle many subsequent debates.</p>

<p>No nation can survive if it couldn&rsquo;t enforce certain basic minimum obligations on its citizens. We call it &lsquo;Fundamental Duties&rsquo; in our constitution. Respect for one&rsquo;s national symbols and expecting all citizens to commit to it is one such fundamental duty, which no citizen can escape. It&rsquo;s necessary for instilling in the psyche of the society a sense of unity, camaraderie and belongingness.</p>

<p>Now, let&rsquo;s come to those curious excuses. &lsquo;Is standing up and singing the national anthem is the only way to prove one&rsquo;s patriotism?&rsquo; &ndash; many growls on social media.</p>

<p>Well, not the only way, but it&rsquo;s the most emphatic way. To show your patriotism, you need to commit yourself to many other cherished values of the nation such as, cleaning and ensuring cleanliness of the surroundings, integrity and honesty in public life, respecting public properties, following traffic rules, standing for weaker and disadvantaged sections, respecting and protecting the honour of women in society, desisting from sectarian feelings of cast, sect, regions and many more. Now, count within, how many of these do you carry with you to compensate for seeking exemption from singing the national anthem. Hmmm&hellip;maybe, hardly any! You see, singing the national anthem is easiest among the above list to learn patriotism. Proceeding to other values becomes easier.</p>

<p>Being a patriot is not easy. You&rsquo;ve to commit a lot, sacrifice a lot. It&rsquo;s not like being a consumerist-hedonist-metrosexual egoist whom nobody cares. But, the society cares for the patriot in the same way the patriot cares for society. Moreover, respecting the national symbols is a constitutional act. The fundamental duty under Article 51A(a) mandates that it shall be the duty of every citizens of India to abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, national flag and the National Anthem.</p>

<p>The next man asks&nbsp; &ndash; &lsquo;WTF this unity? Aren&rsquo;t we already united?&rsquo; No sir. You aren&rsquo;t. Your unity is shaky and hollow and stands tattered over years of cumulative suspicion and distrust fostered by competing ideologies of identities. But, these national symbols cut through the identities and bring us closer.</p>

<p>Some others lament that forcing something down somebody&rsquo;s throat even if he or she didn&rsquo;t like it is unjust. They believe one must act as per one&rsquo;s feelings and if someone doesn&rsquo;t feel to sing the anthem from within, the state shouldn&rsquo;t force.</p>

<p>Why! The state must force it! Patriotism is not born with us. It&rsquo;s learnt. If you failed to cultivate respect for national symbols in your formative days doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;ll go around disrespecting it. You need to learn it now.</p>

<p>Now, let&#39;s come to the argument - &ldquo;People go to a movie theatre for undiluted entertainment. Society needs that entertainment.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Of course, Society needs it. Go and have your undiluted entertainment. But, before that, spare a fleeting 52 seconds to foster a sense of unity with those who are slogging it out in the glaciers, ravines and deserts away from their homes and families to keep India together and to give you the moments of your &lsquo;undiluted entertainment&rsquo;.&nbsp;Just 52 seconds, even before that entertainment actually begins.&nbsp;After you pass the test of this 52 seconds torture, your entertainment will begin and remain undiluted till the end. Shake your buttocks or roll over the floor laughing without dilution. After all, you&rsquo;re blessed with 2 legs and a shoulder to carry the burden of uniting with the pride of India. What is missing is a little spirit. Kindle it.</p>

<p>As far wearing the patriotism on our sleeves is concerned, I wonder where people take pride in wearing its arrogance, prejudices, bigotry, egoism and hubris on their sleeves, what harm is there in wearing the lesser evil, patriotism?</p>

<p>Moreover, We shouldn&rsquo;t miss the larger symbolism of the act. Standing up and singing the song inspires, motivates and teaches others to respect it. Those who detest the idea of standing up for singing the national anthem must have been in the company of someone doing the same, in their childhood days. Orientations are shaped; negatives orientations are shaped more easily. That&rsquo;s why we must watch our behavior because we&rsquo;re influencing someone watching us, especially those credulous children. Set a positive example for them. Don&rsquo;t play a spoiler in their lives.</p>

<p>Yes, when it comes to playing the anthem in cinema halls, it&rsquo;s prone to misuse. At times, zealots jump to do moral policing by harassing those who carry reservations on it.&nbsp;In a horrible show of &lsquo;patriotism&rsquo; in Goa this year, a couple assaulted a writer and an award-winning disability rights activist, Salil Chaturvedi, from behind who didn&rsquo;t stand up for the national anthem. The couple didn&rsquo;t realize that he was disabled. There have been few other cases of such violence in cinema halls.</p>

<p>Now, it&rsquo;s up to the state how to take proper safeguards against misuse of such provisions. Education and sensitization play the key role in making people behave as citizens. There is no point in respecting the national symbols when you&rsquo;re jumping to take law in your hands. A rowdy can&rsquo;t be a patriot because he&rsquo;s dangerous for the society. Such instances lend credence to the fact that the nation is heading towards fascism. Hence, the government must criminalise any act of intimidation or physical violence or any form of vigilantism to enforce patriotic behaviour or else we&rsquo;ll be losing credibility of being a liberal democracy and society.</p>

<p>In the balance sheet of arguments, it&rsquo;s good that the Supreme Court has made the playing of the national anthem in cinema halls an optional act. However, whosoever chooses to play the same, there&rsquo;s no harm in getting up, tucking away your drink under the seat and holding those half-munched popcorns in your mouth, for 52 seconds and singing aloud &ndash; &ldquo;Jan Gana Mana&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;before a ruffling tricolor on the screen. Mind, the child beside you is watching!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</i></p>


The question of singing the national anthem is enveloped in the larger debate of freedom of individual versus the intrusive nature of state.

It's a season of revisions in the Supreme Court. Just on the heels of its revisionist decision on Art 377, the Supreme Court today has reversed its order of November, 2016 where it had made mandatory for all cinema owners to play the national anthem and for all viewers to sing it before commencement of a movie all across the country. The court came out with this modification following the changed stance of the Centre, which suggested the court to make the singing of national anthem optional at the place of mandatory. A detailed guideline may come up on the matter once a 12-member inter-ministerial group constituted by the government formulates its recommendation on the Insult to National Honour Act, 1971, which may suggest how better we can respect our national symbols. However, before you rejoice on the end of the so-called ‘patriotic vigilantism’, let me mention that the court made it clear that although playing the national anthem is optional for cinema halls if the same is chosen to be played then standing and singing the same shall remain mandatory. To begin with, let’s be straight. If patriotism brews within your heart, it will gush out. It will show up in your looks, body language, gestures and mannerism; no matter whether it’s a school or a cinema, a place doesn’t change the equation. However, if you haven’t got what it takes, you’ll look out for curious excuses. It’s oxymoronic to have patriotism in your heart and not to rise for the national anthem. At present, the intellectual landscape in India is rife with many such excuses over why one shouldn’t rise and sing the national anthem. While listening to a petition of Cinema Association against the 2016 order, Justice Chandrachud had wondered in 2017 – “Why do people have to wear their patriotism on their sleeves…People go to a movie theatre for undiluted entertainment…Society needs that entertainment?” He took the matter a bit farther – “In a movie theatre, people may be in shorts etc. So someone may say people are wearing shorts and showing disrespect to the national anthem. Where do we then draw the line on moral policing?” Of course, India is not a totalitarian state where all the activities of individual’s life would be directed towards the glorification of the state, yet one must appreciate that in a land of staggering diversity like India, certain threads are required to keep us bonded. It’s important to protect, preserve and promote such threads. The question of singing the national anthem is enveloped in the larger debate of freedom of individual versus the intrusive nature of the state. Let me phrase the debate precisely – can a modern, progressive state intrude upon an individual’s right to choice through coercive powers? Or more precisely, can the state force a particular notion of patriotism on its subjects and direct them to respect the national symbols as per its whims? Actually, too many of them, the argument is existential. It’s a part of the larger debate that runs in the society through the broader divide of liberalism versus conservatism. Whether India would promote the progressive values of liberty, freedom and choice or would she eventually drift to totalitarianism? A decisive resolution of this question would settle many subsequent debates. No nation can survive if it couldn’t enforce certain basic minimum obligations on its citizens. We call it ‘Fundamental Duties’ in our constitution. Respect for one’s national symbols and expecting all citizens to commit to it is one such fundamental duty, which no citizen can escape. It’s necessary for instilling in the psyche of the society a sense of unity, camaraderie and belongingness. Now, let’s come to those curious excuses. ‘Is standing up and singing the national anthem is the only way to prove one’s patriotism?’ – many growls on social media. Well, not the only way, but it’s the most emphatic way. To show your patriotism, you need to commit yourself to many other cherished values of the nation such as, cleaning and ensuring cleanliness of the surroundings, integrity and honesty in public life, respecting public properties, following traffic rules, standing for weaker and disadvantaged sections, respecting and protecting the honour of women in society, desisting from sectarian feelings of cast, sect, regions and many more. Now, count within, how many of these do you carry with you to compensate for seeking exemption from singing the national anthem. Hmmm…maybe, hardly any! You see, singing the national anthem is easiest among the above list to learn patriotism. Proceeding to other values becomes easier. Being a patriot is not easy. You’ve to commit a lot, sacrifice a lot. It’s not like being a consumerist-hedonist-metrosexual egoist whom nobody cares. But, the society cares for the patriot in the same way the patriot cares for society. Moreover, respecting the national symbols is a constitutional act. The fundamental duty under Article 51A(a) mandates that it shall be the duty of every citizens of India to abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, national flag and the National Anthem. The next man asks – ‘WTF this unity? Aren’t we already united?’ No sir. You aren’t. Your unity is shaky and hollow and stands tattered over years of cumulative suspicion and distrust fostered by competing ideologies of identities. But, these national symbols cut through the identities and bring us closer. Some others lament that forcing something down somebody’s throat even if he or she didn’t like it is unjust. They believe one must act as per one’s feelings and if someone doesn’t feel to sing the anthem from within, the state shouldn’t force. Why! The state must force it! Patriotism is not born with us. It’s learnt. If you failed to cultivate respect for national symbols in your formative days doesn’t mean you’ll go around disrespecting it. You need to learn it now. Now, let's come to the argument - “People go to a movie theatre for undiluted entertainment. Society needs that entertainment.” Of course, Society needs it. Go and have your undiluted entertainment. But, before that, spare a fleeting 52 seconds to foster a sense of unity with those who are slogging it out in the glaciers, ravines and deserts away from their homes and families to keep India together and to give you the moments of your ‘undiluted entertainment’. Just 52 seconds, even before that entertainment actually begins. After you pass the test of this 52 seconds torture, your entertainment will begin and remain undiluted till the end. Shake your buttocks or roll over the floor laughing without dilution. After all, you’re blessed with 2 legs and a shoulder to carry the burden of uniting with the pride of India. What is missing is a little spirit. Kindle it. As far wearing the patriotism on our sleeves is concerned, I wonder where people take pride in wearing its arrogance, prejudices, bigotry, egoism and hubris on their sleeves, what harm is there in wearing the lesser evil, patriotism? Moreover, We shouldn’t miss the larger symbolism of the act. Standing up and singing the song inspires, motivates and teaches others to respect it. Those who detest the idea of standing up for singing the national anthem must have been in the company of someone doing the same, in their childhood days. Orientations are shaped; negatives orientations are shaped more easily. That’s why we must watch our behavior because we’re influencing someone watching us, especially those credulous children. Set a positive example for them. Don’t play a spoiler in their lives. Yes, when it comes to playing the anthem in cinema halls, it’s prone to misuse. At times, zealots jump to do moral policing by harassing those who carry reservations on it. In a horrible show of ‘patriotism’ in Goa this year, a couple assaulted a writer and an award-winning disability rights activist, Salil Chaturvedi, from behind who didn’t stand up for the national anthem. The couple didn’t realize that he was disabled. There have been few other cases of such violence in cinema halls. Now, it’s up to the state how to take proper safeguards against misuse of such provisions. Education and sensitization play the key role in making people behave as citizens. There is no point in respecting the national symbols when you’re jumping to take law in your hands. A rowdy can’t be a patriot because he’s dangerous for the society. Such instances lend credence to the fact that the nation is heading towards fascism. Hence, the government must criminalise any act of intimidation or physical violence or any form of vigilantism to enforce patriotic behaviour or else we’ll be losing credibility of being a liberal democracy and society. In the balance sheet of arguments, it’s good that the Supreme Court has made the playing of the national anthem in cinema halls an optional act. However, whosoever chooses to play the same, there’s no harm in getting up, tucking away your drink under the seat and holding those half-munched popcorns in your mouth, for 52 seconds and singing aloud – “Jan Gana Mana…” before a ruffling tricolor on the screen. Mind, the child beside you is watching! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Does singing the national anthem mean wearing patriotism on your sleeves?

<p>Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden recently posted a picture wishing his Indian fans a Happy Independence Day in a unique way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former cricketer known for an aggressive style of batting took the effort of translating the Indian national anthem in its entirety and posted the English version for those might be interested in understanding what the song means.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Independence Day India <a href="https://t.co/JK2PoAHt12">pic.twitter.com/JK2PoAHt12</a></p>
&mdash; Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaydosTweets/status/897327777094934528">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Soon after he posted, fans took to the liking of the post and sent him heartwarming messages:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jai Hind</p>
&mdash; S. MS Dhoni (@MSDsuperfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSDsuperfan/status/897370532529659904">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never saw English version of National Anthem before.! Thanks champion. ??</p>
&mdash; Ritik (@PareekRitik) <a href="https://twitter.com/PareekRitik/status/897332765951012864">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lots of Love from INDIA.</p>
&mdash; Ashish Katiyar (@AshishKatiyar17) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshishKatiyar17/status/897332963733512194">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Translating India&#39;s national anthem capturing the depth of words is no easy task. Admire your love and deep insight. Congrats!</p>
&mdash; Jay Shah (@Jayshahca) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jayshahca/status/897803117172899842">August 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow. This tweet touched my heart. ??</p>
&mdash; MystiRoz (@MystiRoz) <a href="https://twitter.com/MystiRoz/status/897336197306961920">August 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He posted a word by word translation of 'Jana Gana Mana' on Twitter to wish Happy Independence Day to Indians

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden recently posted a picture wishing his Indian fans a Happy Independence Day in a unique way. The former cricketer known for an aggressive style of batting took the effort of translating the Indian national anthem in its entirety and posted the English version for those might be interested in understanding what the song means. Happy Independence Day India pic.twitter.com/JK2PoAHt12 — Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) August 15, 2017 × Soon after he posted, fans took to the liking of the post and sent him heartwarming messages: Jai Hind — S. MS Dhoni (@MSDsuperfan) August 15, 2017 × Never saw English version of National Anthem before.! Thanks champion. ?? — Ritik (@PareekRitik) August 15, 2017 × Lots of Love from INDIA. — Ashish Katiyar (@AshishKatiyar17) August 15, 2017 × Translating India's national anthem capturing the depth of words is no easy task. Admire your love and deep insight. Congrats! — Jay Shah (@Jayshahca) August 16, 2017 × Wow. This tweet touched my heart. ?? — MystiRoz (@MystiRoz) August 15, 2017 × (WION)

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden tweets an English version of the Indian national anthem

<p>A week after the mayor of Meerut asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Councillors at the Allahabad Nagar Nigam on Thursday demanded a new rule, under which the house proceedings would start with the national song Vande Matram and end with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.</p>

<p>Some Councillors objected to the proposal that led to ruckus and disruption in the House.</p>

<p>Councillors in the opposition alleged that BJP Councillors are raising this demand because of the saffron party coming to power.</p>

<p>Earlier in the month, a similar row had broken out, wherein a group of Muslim Councilors had left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram.</p>

<p>A proposal was also put forth by Meerut Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP, making it clear that any member opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcomed in the House.</p>

<p>He asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


BJP councillors want Nagar Nigam proceedings to start with the singing of Vande Mataram, end with Jana Gana Mana

A week after the mayor of Meerut asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Councillors at the Allahabad Nagar Nigam on Thursday demanded a new rule, under which the house proceedings would start with the national song Vande Matram and end with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Some Councillors objected to the proposal that led to ruckus and disruption in the House. Councillors in the opposition alleged that BJP Councillors are raising this demand because of the saffron party coming to power. Earlier in the month, a similar row had broken out, wherein a group of Muslim Councilors had left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram. A proposal was also put forth by Meerut Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP, making it clear that any member opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcomed in the House. He asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country. (ANI)

After Meerut, Vande Mataram row now brews in Allahabad

jana-gana-mana-0

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