Opinion: D. C. Nath (President, Patriot’s Forum) – Jana Gana Mana—Again

DC Nath SmallPresident of Patriots Forum, D.C. Nath was superannuated in January, 1995, as the Special Director, Intelligence Bureau, D.C. Nath (IPS-1960) was associated with the International Institute of Security and Safety Management (IISSM), headquartered in New Delhi, for over 14 years, first as the Executive President & CEO and then as the President & Director General, between February, 1997 and March, 2011. The author of a highly acclaimed book, Intelligence Imperatives for India, Mr. Nath earned high plaudits from all around for two of his very significant presentations on: “Revisiting the Future of India” (2005, London) and “Lessons from India for the War On Terrorism” (2007, USA). He is the only one in the field, combining the experiences of a police officer with specialization in intelligence and strategic analysis and an industrial security expert par excellence. More Bio on D. C. Nath…

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November 25, 2014

Dear Friends,

Subject: Jana Gana Mana—Again

We are back to you with India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana.”

We have received thanks from many for demystifying the controversy around it. But, we are specially grateful to two friends, who said notwithstanding what Tagore had said, ‘contemporary records’ did not support our contention and that the free encyclopedia, namely, Wikipedia, also spoke differently. That gave us an opportunity to study the matter in depth.

Without further ado, let us straightaway read what the learned Constituent Assembly debates said:

Quote (.)

The Constituent Assembly met in the Constitution Hall, New Delhi, at Eleven of the Clock, Mr. President (The Honourable Dr. Rajendra Prasad), in the Chair.

Mr. President: There is one matter which has been pending for discussion, namely the question of the National Anthem. At one time it was thought that the matter might be brought up before the House and a decision taken by the House by way of a resolution. But it has been felt that, instead of taking a formal decision by means of a resolution, it is better if I make a statement with regard to the National Anthem. Accordingly I make this statement.

The composition consisting of the words and music known as Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem of India, subject to such alterations in the words as the Government may authorise as occasion arises; and the song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it. (Applause). I hope this will satisfy the Members.

Unquote (.)

Then, coming to the Wikipedia. The relevant portion/pages from the Wikipedia, spelling out both sides of the controversy, are attached.

Here also the significant part is the third stanza of the whole poem, that is not part of the anthem:

“Stanza 3: “Jugo Dhabito Jaatri” (Pilgrims of the ages) are those who follow the path leading to God, not to some King or Queen of British Empire. Similarly “Biplabo” i.e. fierce revolution is our freedom struggle and “Shankhodhwoni”(conch-shell sound) in mythology announced the start of a “battle”, here- nationalist struggle against the Empire. This is a path of sacrifice and only God can protect from fear and misery (Sankato Dukho).”

There were also debates on the places/territories mentioned in the anthem. The last two paragraphs in the attached note clarify, with the last words coming from the Supreme Court, which recorded:

“In 2005, there were calls to delete the word “Sindh” and substitute it with the word Kashmir. The argument was that Sindh was no longer a part of India, having become part of Pakistan as a result of the Partition of 1947. Opponents of this proposal hold that the word “Sindh” refers to the Indus and to Sindhi culture, and that Sindhi people are an integral part of India’s cultural fabric. The Supreme Court of India declined to change the national anthem and the wording remains unchanged.”

Friends, we rest our case there.

Vandemataram,

Your sevak,

D.C. Nath

(Former Spl. Director, IB)

(President, Patriots’ Forum)

Source: Patriot Forum

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