A rousing rendition of ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ India’s National Anthem, has the power to instil a deep sense of pride and patriotism, whether it’s at sporting events, national celebrations, or a formal setting.
Over the last century, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ has evolved into a symbol of unity and national identity. But how did this Rabindranath Tagore composition become the National Anthem of India? Read on to learn more about the history of the Indian National Anthem.
A Brief Indian National Anthem History
The Indian National Anthem was originally composed in 1911 by India’s first Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. He composed and first performed the original Bengali version at a Congress meeting in Calcutta. The song was a heartfelt ode to the unity and spirit of India. The song’s melody is Raga Alhaiya Bilaval, composed by Rabindranath Tagore himself. And the lyrics reflect India’s composite culture, rich traditions, and aspirations, making it a fitting symbol of the nation’s identity.
Over the years, Tagore’s composition evolved into the Indian National Anthem we sing today, with its official adoption as the Indian National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
What is the Importance of the National Anthem?
Here are some reasons that underline the significance of India’s National Anthem:
- Representation of Unity: India is a diverse nation with many languages, religions, and cultures. The lyrics of Jana Gana Mana reflect India’s diverse culture, geography, and spirit of unity.
- Expression of Patriotism: The anthem evokes pride and loyalty towards the nation. It reminds citizens of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.
- Cultural Identity: Composed by Rabindranath Tagore, the anthem’s poetic beauty highlights the country’s unique heritage. Moreover, Tagore has used classical and modern elements of poetry to make the anthem culturally more significant.
- A Moment of Reflection: Whether sung at school, played at a sporting event, or heard during a celebration, Jana Gana Mana allows people to reflect on India’s achievements and challenges.
- Respect for National Symbols: The anthem teaches children and adults alike to honour their nation’s symbols, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility.
Guidelines and Protocols for the Indian National Anthem
While singing or playing the Indian National Anthem, you need to follow specific protocols to show respect. Here are some common protocols and guidelines for the national anthem:
- Standing in Attention: It is mandatory to stand upright when the anthem is played or sung. This posture signifies respect and solidarity.
- No Disruptions: Activities like talking, walking, or using gadgets should be avoided while playing the anthem.
- Duration: The official rendition of the anthem takes 52 seconds. A shorter version lasting about 20 seconds may be played on specific occasions.
- Proper Conduct: According to the Indian Constitution (Article 51A(), respecting the anthem is a fundamental duty of every citizen.
Fun Activities for Parents and Kids to Celebrate the National Anthem
As parents, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your kid knows everything about the Indian National Anthem, from national anthem history to guidelines for national anthem and more. Here is a set of fun activities that you can do with your kids to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the National Anthem.
- Indian National Anthem Quiz
Here are some questions you can ask your little one to determine their understanding of the history and importance of the National Anthem.
- Who composed the Indian National Anthem?
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Rabindranath Tagore
- A. R. Rahman
- Zakir Hussain
- When was the anthem officially adopted?
- August 15, 1947
- January 24, 1950
- December 12, 1947
- November 1, 1951
- How long is the Indian National Anthem?
- 60 seconds
- 52 seconds
- 45 seconds
- 1 minute 20 seconds
- Which of the following is NOT part of the Indian National Anthem?
- “Jana Gana Mana”
- “Bharat Bhagya Vidhata”
- “Satyamev Jayate”
- “Vande Mataram”
- Which year was the Indian National Anthem first sung?
- 1920
- 1911
- 1935
- 1925
- In which language was the Indian National Anthem originally written?
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
- How many lines does the Indian National Anthem have?
- 5
- 8
- 10
- 6
- What is the main theme of the Indian National Anthem?
- The freedom struggle
- Unity and patriotism
- The country’s military power
- The country’s natural beauty
- Who was the first to sing the Indian National Anthem in public?
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Subhas Chandra Bose
- Rajendra Prasad
- Sarojini Naidu
- What is the protocol for standing when the Indian National Anthem is played?
- Standing with hands raised
- Standing with hands folded
- Standing at attention with hands by your sides
- Sitting quietly
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: January 24, 1950
Answer: 52 seconds
Answer: “Vande Mataram”
Answer: 1911
Answer: Bengali
Answer: 8
Answer: Unity and patriotism
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: Standing at attention with hands by your sides
Sing-Along Challenge
Teach your kids to sing the National Anthem correctly. You can practice together, ensuring they pronounce each word clearly and understand its meaning.
Art and Craft
Encourage kids to draw or paint something inspired by the anthem, like the Indian flag or a map of India.
Storytime
Share the Indian National Anthem’s history as a bedtime story. Explain how it was first performed and its role was in uniting India.
Music Exploration
Listen to different versions of the anthem, including those in various Indian languages. Discuss how music can evoke emotions and build connections.
How Parents Can Teach the Importance of the Indian National Anthem
Parents play a vital role in fostering a sense of patriotism in their children. Here are some tips:
- Lead by Example:
- Explain the Meaning:
- Discuss Values:
- Encourage Participation:
- Create Family Traditions:
Show respect when the anthem is played. Your actions will leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Break down the lyrics and explain what they represent. For instance, “Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha” highlights India’s diverse regions.
Use the anthem as a starting point to talk about values like unity, respect, and love for one’s country.
Motivate kids to participate in school or community events where the anthem is sung.
Play the anthem during national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day. This helps kids associate it with pride and celebration.
Conclusion
The Indian National Anthem is more than a patriotic song; it symbolises unity, heritage, and pride. By understanding the Indian National Anthem’s history and significance, parents can pass these values to their children in fun and engaging ways. So, gather your family, sing Jana Gana Mana, and celebrate the pride of being Indian!
If your kid is fascinated with the history of the Indian National Anthem and wants to learn more about India and other countries, check out our blog, Fascinating Trivia About Countries for Children, to feed their curiosity.
You can also explore the EuroKids Blog for a treasure trove of engaging and insightful articles designed to nurture your child’s growth, health, and learning journey.
Ready to give your little one the best start in life? Check out EuroKids Preschools, where early education meets a world of fun, creativity, and development!
