MUMBAI: As we celebrate 72 glorious years of Independence, music stays to be an important part of these celebrations. While Hindi movies have given some of the best patriotic songs, there are some non-film patriotic songs that have been timeless classics. Some of the choices are below:
Saare Jahan Se Accha: A poem written by the great poet Iqbal, is a description of the undivided Hindustan, comprising Bangladesh, Pakistan along with current India. This was ironically published for the first time on 16th August 1904; 43 years later the same day saw a one day old independent nation. An abridged version is now sung across the nation even today. This tune was composed by none other than Pandit Ravishankar and sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
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Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon: A heartfelt tribute by the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar to the martyrs of Indo-Sino war. Composed by C Ramachandra and lyrics by Pradeep, this song moved everyone to tears including the ruling Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who experienced the live rendition.
Mile Sur Mera Tumhara: A concept developed by Lok Seva Sanchar Parishad and promoted by Doordarshan, the sole broadcaster in 1988, Mile Sur Mera Tumhara is the best depiction of the cultural diversity of our nation. Composed by Ashok Patki and arranged by Louis Banks captured regional languages featuring some of the biggest celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Amitabh Bachchan among many others. 20 years later Mile Sur Mera Tumhara was re-created by AR Rahman, featuring some of the current generation celebrities. However, the original is still a favourite.
Baje Sargam: Another composition paying a tribute to the diversity of India and by the Government of India to boost the morale of India. Baje Sargam explored even the folk music of India and again featuring most celebrated musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Allahrakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain among many others. What set it apart from its Mile Sur Mera Tumhara was a usage of instrumental and orchestral pieces, which were demonstrated to some of the finest dancers of India. This was composed by Louis Banks and P Vaidyanathan and set in popular Indian Classical Music Raag Des.
Maa Tuzhe Salam: A song that resonates the whole of the nation today is the rendition of AR Rahman of Maa Tujhe Salaam. A high on energy song brings out the most patriotic feeling in a person. The video of the song portrays India at its best.
