Jana Gana Mana which is the national anthem of India fills our hearts with pride. It makes us realise that even though we are divided in terms of castes, cultures, religions at the end of the day we are all Indians. Whenever we hear the national anthem we feel proud of being an Indian. 

The national anthem teaches us to treat everyone with respect and help each other in difficult times. In this article, you will know the history, meaning and interacting facts of our national anthem.

History of National Anthem

Jana Gana Mana was originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore on December 11, 1911. It was taken from a song named ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’ which is a Brahmo hymn. It consisted of five verses and only the first verse was adopted as the National Anthem of India. India’s cultural heritage was always focused on the ‘Unity in Diversity concept’. 

Since the first verse of the song beautifully put forward the ‘Spirit of Pluralism’ and ‘Unity in Diversity’ concept, it was adopted as the National Anthem. The playing time of the full version of the Anthem is 52 seconds. The short version of the national anthem which consists of the first and last lines takes around 20 seconds.

The poem was first publicly recited on 27 December 1911 on the second day of the annual session of the Indian National Congress. The prom was recited in Calcutta (now Kolkata). In January 1912 the anthem was published in the Tatwabodhini Patrika, an official publication of the Brahmo Samaj with Tagore. It was titled Bharat Bhagya Bidhata.

Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, Tagore’s niece, sang this song in 1912 in front of congress members. Tagore translated the song in English on 28 February 1919, titled ‘The Morning Song of India’. 

Besant Theosophical College in Madanapalle adopted the English version of the song as their prayer song which is sung till today.

On 14 August 1947 when India got independence, the Indian Constituent Assembly assembled as a sovereign body at midnight and performed Jana Gana Mana.

On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India declared Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem of India.

National Anthem Lyrics

Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka 

jaya he

Bharata-bhagya-vidhata

Punjaba-Sindhu-Gujarata-Maratha

Dravida-Utkala-Banga

Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga

uchchala-jaladhi-taranga

Tava Shubha name jage, tava shubha asisa mage,

gahe tava jaya-gatha.

Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he

Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.

Jaya he, Jaya he, Jaya he,

jaya jaya jaya, jaya he.

The shorter version of the song which consists of the first and last lines reads as follows:

Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka jaya he

Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.

Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he,

Jaya jaya jaya, jaya he.

English Translation By Rabindranath Tagore

Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people,

dispenser of India’s destiny.

Thy name rouses the hearts of the Punjab, Sind, Gujarat and Maratha,

of Dravida, Orissa and Bengal.

It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas, mingles in the music of the Yamuna and Ganges

and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea.

They pray for thy blessings and sing thy praise.

The saving of all people waits in thy hand,

thou dispenser of India’s destiny.

Victory, Victory, Victory to thee.

Occasions of Playing National Anthem

The full version of the Anthem shall be played on the following  occasions: 

  • Civil and Military investitures.
  • During National Salutes and parades.
  • When the President arrives at formal State functions, the National Anthem can be played.
  • Before and after the President addresses the Nation on All India Radio.
  • It is also allowed to play the National Anthem when the Governor/Lieutenant Governor arrives at formal State functions.
  • The National Anthem should also be played when the National Flag is brought on parade.
  • During the presentation of Regimental Colours and for the hosting of colours in the Navy.
  • The Anthem can be played on any occasion for which the government of India has given permission.
  • In all the schools, the day should start by the singing of the National Anthem by all the students. Schools should promote the respect for the National Anthem among students.

Code of Conduct for National Anthem

  • The audience should stand up when the National Anthem is played or sung.. 
  • One should keep the head high and forward when the National Anthem is being played.
  • No parody of the National Anthem is allowed.
  • When a band is playing the National Anthem a roll of drums should be first given to help the audience know that the National Anthem is going to be played. The duration of the roll will be 7 paces in a slow march. 
  • There should be a mass singing of the Anthem on the unfurling of the National Flag.
  • People facing any of the following things mentioned below are exempted from standing up when the National Anthem is being played.
    • Autism
    • Cerebral palsy
    • Muscular dystrophy
    • Locomotive disability (wheelchair-bound)
    • Intellectual disability (learning disorder)
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Day blindness
    • Dearing loss
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Leprosy-cured persons

Conclusion

The National Anthem is very close to every Indian’s heart. Whenever we hear the National Anthem we realise that we are not alone in this battle of life. Every Indian is always there to help us in our difficult times. Rabindranath Tagore wrote an impactful National Anthem that gives us goosebumps every time we hear it.