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In GOI's
publication (Our National Songs), it is said that
experts were of the view that Vande Mataram
lacked rhythm and movement. Of course they were
official experts, and remain unidentified. In
their opinion the essential qualification of a
national anthem is 'tal' (beat) and hence
recommeded Janaganamana.
Mahatama Gandhi called
Janaganamana a religious hymn, not the national
anthem, but he characterised numerous times
Vandemataram as the national anthem.
About Janaganamana, Humayun
Kabir agrees with the view expressed by Gandhiji.
"In a sense it is more a religious hymn for
all mankind than a national anthem for any
country." (Rabindaranath Tagore, a Centenary
Vol.p.152)
And let us see what are the
sentiments expressed by many about Vande Mataram:
Vandemataram was an
expression of nationalism, its very soul, and
therefore the natinal anthem. It quickly spread
throughout India, and was on the lips of millions
as the national anthem. (Maharishi Aurobind in
'Mahayogi' p.47)
"The greatest and
most enduring gift of the swedeshi movement was
Vande Mataram, the uncrowned national
anthem." (The Cambridge History of India,
Vol.IV, p.608)
"Bankim Chandra
Chatterjee's poem Vande Mataram first appeared in
his novel Anandamath in 1882, and soon became the
Merseillaise of the nationalist movement
throughout India." (A Book of India, B.N.
Pande, p.67)
"Bande Mataram: A
song which occurs in Bankim Chatterjee's novel.
The song was quite popular during nationalist
agitations in the early part of this century in
Bengal. Subsequently it became a kind of
unofficial national anthem." (Nehru, The
first sixty years, Vol.II, p.577)
"Vandemataram,
which at the beginning of the 20th century became
the anthem of the Indian nationalist movement, is
the motherland personified." (Tilak and the
Struggle for Indian Freedom, p.253)
"Vande Mataram!
These are the magic words which will open the
door of his iron safe, break through the walls of
his strong room, and confound the hearts of those
who are disloyal to its call to say Vande
Mataram." (Rabindranath Tagore in Glorious
Thoughts of Tagore, p.165)
Therefore,
it was the natural expectation that this great
national anthem would continue as the official
national anthem of India. It was used in the
Constituent assembly, and was sung by Smt.
Sucheta Kriplani. But soon a dis-cordant note
began to be heard. Much to the surprise of its
own members, the Constituent assembly deferred
the question of adopting the national anthem
again and
again. Who were behind the controversy and what
were their motives? The following excerpt from
Pt. Nehru's statement on this issue may provide
some clue:
"It
is unfortunate that some kind of argument has
arisen between VM and Jana. VM is obviously and
indisputedly the premier national song of India,
with a great historical tradition and intimately
connected with our struggle for freedom. That
position it is bound to retain and no other song
can displace it. It represents the passion and
poignancy of that struggle but perhaps not
so much
the culmination of it. In regard to the national
anthem tune, it was felt that the tune was more
important than the words, and this tune should be
such as to represent the Indian musical genius as
well as to some extent the Western, so that it
might easily be adapted to orchestra and band
music, and to playing abroad. The real
significance of the national anthem is perhaps
more abroad than in the home country. Past
experience has shown that Janagana tune has been
greatly appreciated and admired abroad...VM with
all its very great attraction and historical
background, was not easily suitable for
orchastras in foreign countries.. It seemed
therefore that while VM should continue to be the
national song par excellence in India, the
national anthem tune should be that of
Janaganamana, and the wording of Janagana be
altered suitably to fit in with existing
circumstances." (Glorious Thoughts of Nehru,
p.139)
The above
rational and criteria for selecting a national
anthem coming from the PM, had shocked the people
of India. These ideas of Nehru's were severly
criticised in the press and in other forums
universally. The polls conducted by some
organizations on this issue showed that 95%
people favored VM as the national anthem.
"When
the objection was raised to the adoption of VM as
the national anthem on the ground that it was
full of idolatry, Aurobindo said Durga to whom it
paid homage was none other than Bharata Mata
symbolising Knowledge, Power, Greatness and
Glory." (Resurgent India, p.191)
The charge
that VM cannot be set to the tune to suit band
and foreign orchestra was disproved
when it was set to melodious tune by an ace
musician Master Krishna Rao, but
Nehru ji did not budge. And Dr Rajendra Prasad
who was
presiding the Constituent assembly on 24 January
1950 made the following statement which also
became the final decision on this issue:
"The
composition consisting of words and music known
as Janaganamana is the National Anthem of
India, subject to such alterations 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 honored
equally with Janaganamana and
shall have equal status with it. (Applause) I
hope this will satify members." (Constituent
Assembly of India, Vil.XII, 24-1-1950) |
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