A Song's Controversial Debut
The story begins on December 27, 1911, when 'Jana Gana Mana' was first sung at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. Composed by the poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the song, originally titled 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata' ('Dispenser
of India's Destiny'), was performed by his niece Sarala Devi Chowdhurani. A significant controversy arose almost immediately. The event coincided with the visit of King George V to India, and some pro-British newspapers reported that Tagore's song was an ode to the monarch. This narrative was deeply upsetting to Tagore. Years later, he clarified his stance in a letter, stating he would have been insulting himself to engage in such "unbounded stupidity." He explained that the 'Bhagya Bidhata' he hailed was the divine 'Dispenser of India's destiny' who has guided the nation through ages, not any earthly king. The press had confused Tagore's hymn with a different song sung in the king's honour at the same event.
Embraced by the Freedom Struggle
Despite the initial confusion, the poem's powerful evocation of India's unity began to resonate deeply. A pivotal moment in its journey came from an unexpected quarter: Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA). While in Germany, Bose selected 'Jana Gana Mana' as the anthem for the Free India Centre. He commissioned a Hindustani translation, which became known as 'Subh Sukh Chain'. This version became the official anthem of the INA, and its martial tune and patriotic spirit cemented the song's place in the nationalist consciousness. Back in India, the song was adopted as a school song by The Doon School in 1935 and was even featured in the 1945 film 'Hamrahi'. Its growing popularity was evident when the Constituent Assembly, meeting at midnight on August 14, 1947, to mark India's independence, concluded its historic session with a unanimous performance of 'Jana Gana Mana'.
The Great Anthem Debate
When the time came for the newly independent nation to formally choose its symbols, the selection of a national anthem was not a foregone conclusion. A strong contender was 'Vande Mataram', the poem by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee from his novel 'Anandamath'. 'Vande Mataram' had a longer history as a rallying cry for freedom fighters and was deeply embedded in the struggle against British rule. Supporters argued for its historical significance and emotional connection to the independence movement. However, there were concerns. Jawaharlal Nehru noted that its tune was mournful and difficult for orchestras and bands to play. Furthermore, its later verses contained explicit references to Hindu deities, which had led to objections from some Muslim leaders, resulting in the Congress party adopting only the first two stanzas in 1937.
A Compromise for Unity
The Constituent Assembly needed a song that was inclusive, inspiring, and suitable for official occasions. 'Jana Gana Mana', with its universalist theme and a melody that was readily adaptable for band music, emerged as the more practical and unifying choice. The decision was finalised on January 24, 1950, just two days before India became a republic. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Constituent Assembly, announced the resolution. He declared that 'Jana Gana Mana' would be the National Anthem of India. In a move designed to honour both songs' contributions, he also stated that 'Vande Mataram', which played a historic part in the freedom struggle, would be honoured equally and have an equal status as the National Song. This compromise elegantly navigated the complex sentiments and histories attached to both compositions, giving India not one, but two revered national songs.
