A very happy 63rd Republic Day to the readers of Score magazine and all Indians out there.
I wasn’t born when the Indian constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950. But, I’ve grown up to understand the significance of living in a democratic country – the democracy of which is taken for granted by her inhabitants today.
For the daft ones, democracy means living in a society in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. You might scoff at me for citing the definition, but it’s surprising how some Indians do not know the meaning of democracy and what it is like to live in a democratic country – let alone the significance of the national holiday. For most, it is just a holiday; a day to de-stress and relax. When was the last time you attended a flag hoisting or recited the national anthem (without being in a movie theatre).
Anyway, I’m not going to be the unofficial self-proclaimed patriotic police any longer.
One rarely comes across patriotic movies nowadays – either no one wants to venture towards that territory, movie makers don’t understand patriotism or it might not be a commercially viable option for them. As Neha Dhupia aptly summed it, ’Only sex and Shah Rukh Khan sell.’ I will broaden the quote to include romantic comedies, thrillers and Salman Khan too. In retrospect, the last movie of this genre that really struck a chord with me was Rang De Basanti.
Patriotic movies aside, you have patriotic songs too. The greatest of them all is our national anthem – Jana Gana Mana. Shame on you if you don’t know the lyrics (Yes! Such people exist too). Actually, the probability of the existence of such people is very low today. Why, you ask? C’mon, isn’t it obvious? Such people would probably know the lyrics by now due to it’s cheap prefixion during movies which, incidentally, makes me nauseous.
[youtube_video id=r3TtgYuaVFk]
Our national anthem has become a joke now. Initially introduced with absolutely great intentions, moviegoers today apportion the rolling out of the national anthem to the commencement of the movie. It’s become a signal for the viewers to settle down or return from the canteen quickly. People seem to treat the national anthem as any other song today – they adjust their seats, pick their noses, you’ll find eyes moving everywhere observing others, you’ll hear people yakking on their cell phones – basically, the sanctity of the anthem has been lost. The respect it deserves is no longer achieved. Sigh.
I’ve digressed. But I’m back on track now.
Where was I?
Ah yes, patriotic songs. On the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day of India, here are few of the choicest Indian patriotic songs:
1) Aao Bachcho Tumhe Dikhaye
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2) Ay Mere Watan Ke Logo
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3) Ay Watan Ay Watan
[youtube_video id=DFvDSLxcWhk]
4) Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara
[youtube_video id=1vRHcmBYFX4]
5) Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein
[youtube_video id=KJcLuCWy6bk]
6) Jahan Daal Daal Pe
[youtube_video id=-50qe9qrUDk]
7) Kar Chale Hum Fida
[youtube_video id=nBbmW9JpbUg]
8) Maa Tujhe Salaam
[youtube_video id=OWeIBEKY3S4]
9) Mera Rang De Basanti Chola
[youtube_video id=tOfbFa06jsE]
10) Mere Desh Ki Dharti
[youtube_video id=vpqYjAHQtvI]
11) Nanha Munna Rahi
[youtube_video id=-liLE7v5Kdc]
12) Rang De Basanti
[youtube_video id=dW0sWGD99g0]
13) Saare Jahaan Se Achcha
[youtube_video id=Ew5butnflMA]
14) Vande Mataram
[youtube_video id=c6PHJg9D_Sk]
15) Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka
[youtube_video id=4DF99m76Mv0]
Hopefully, these brilliant songs will have re-inculcated respect and love for your nation.
Once again, Happy Republic Day to everyone!
Special thanks to Rakesh Kedia for his valuable input.
