HAPPY INDEPENDENCE
DAY - 2008
On
the occasion of the 61st year of India's independence, the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India,
proudly presents the "Jai Hind" song and video as a salute to our
great nation and a celebration of the spirit of national
integration. The "Jai Hind" project aims to revive the use of "Jai
Hind" as a contemporary greeting among India's youth.
Some of the most celebrated artists from the fields of music,
entertainment, sports and public life (including Pandit Jasraj,
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr L. Subramaniam, Jagjit Singh,
Kavitha Krishnamurthi, Selva Ganesh, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid,
Dhanraj Pillai, Baichung Bhatia, Mohanlal, Shabana Azmi,
Vishwanathan Anand and many others) along with members of our
Armed Forces and the people of India have participated in the "Jai
Hind" video. The song is composed by Ustad Zakir Hussain with
lyrics by Javed Akhtar. This project has been conceived and
produced by Art & Artistes (I) Pvt. Ltd. The "Jai Hind" endeavour
has no commercial purpose but is solely dedicated to celebrating
India. It is supported by Prasar Bharati - Doordarshan & All India
Radio, Idea Cellular - Aditya Birla Group and the Indian Music
Academy.
Watch the video and Listen to "Jai Hind"
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CULTURE & FESTIVALS
"Thou Brave, be One!
Behold, take courage, be proud that thou art an Indian and Proudly proclaim “I am an
Indian. Every Indian is my fellow mate” – Swami Vivekanand
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Gandhiji:
Lead me from the Unreal to the Real, From Darkness to light, From Death to
Immortality" Vedic verse chanted at Gandhiji's funeral pyre.
HAPPY |
INDEPENDENCE |
DAY |
15TH August
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HAPPY |
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REPUBLIC DAY |
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DAY |
26th January
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Pic copyright : Kidsfreesouls.com
FLAG HOISTING
If there is heaven on
Earth...it is this...it is this...Engraved in Persian....
Made of Red Sandstone, Red Fort completed in 1648, once served as the
Imperial Palace of Moghul Emperors. It was built by the Great Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan, seat of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, when he was
declared Emperor of Hindustan during 1857 uprising against the British.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Leader of the exiled Azad Hind Government
wished to hoist the flat of Free India from the Red Fort. Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India hoised the Flag on 15th August 1947
at the Red Fort. It proclaimed Free & Independent Nation. This flag replaced
the British Union Jack which had flown over India for 200 years.
The two most famous buildings of the Red Fort are the Hall of Public
Audience (Diwan-i-Am), where the grand mughal presided from a royal alcove
which contained the Peacock Throne, and the smaller Hall of Private Audience
(Diwan-i-Khas). The decorated white-marble walls of the latter, considered a
masterpiece of Mughal architecture, are inscribed with a couplet in Persian
that has been translated in English as: "If there is a heaven on earth, it
is this—it is this." Other features in the Red Fort are the Painted Palace
(Rang Mahal) and the Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid).
INDIA INDEPENDENCE |
REPUBLIC DAY
GANDHIJI | NEHRU |
RABINDRANATH TAGORE
“Long years ago, we made tryst with the destiny and now the time comes when we shall
redeem our pledge. At the stroke of midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake
to life and freedom” said Jawaharlal Nehru. Today, India is a Can-do Nation,
Democracy intact, jubiliation in real.
India, the
Land of Legends (Free), proudly stand independent
and as we commemorate the nation on its Anniversary of Independence/Republic Day, Kids
Free Souls salutes all those immortal souls for their gallant undying contribution for the
cause of the freedom.
Keep the Faith!
- ilaxi patel
Editor Online, kidsfreesouls.com
HISTORY OF
INDIA
On the night bridging to 15th August 1947, thousands
of people gathered to rejoice the Independence of the nation outside the Assembly building
and as dawn showed the bright glow, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India
unfurled the national flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. It was a moment of freedom,
joy, peace and unity.
The vedic verse chanted at the funeral pyre of Gandhiji
"Lead me from the Unreal to the Real, from Darkness to light, From Death to
Immortality" reminds us of the sacrifice, determination, dedication and devotion of
our leaders, the makers of true India.
India, a sub-continent with 5000 year old History. A civilization
united by its diversity, richness of culture, the glory of past, the turbulences and
triumphs. The landmarks of each era, the achievements of a change, the legacy of a regime.
As we walk through the history, India is an amazing discovery and its itihaas is a unique
tale of the past.
Itihaas has its roots from ancient, medieval, independent, modern
advancements. The Indian Flag represents the entire country. Its people, its beliefs, its
values…It represents me & you, every citizen of India. The tri color flag was
developed in the 20th century, originally a spinning wheel was shown in the
white band. This symbolised the Gandhian ideal of self sufficiency. In 1947, the chakra
was officially adopted in place of the spinning wheel. This is an ancient Indian symbol
associated with the powers and changes of nature. Officially, the orange color stands for
Courage and sacrifice. The white color signifies Peace and truth. While green symbolises
Faith and Chivalry. It is the duty of every Citizen to realise the significance of our
flag and pay the honour and respect its commands.
The rich tradition and culture of India reflects India’s
true blends of rich flavours of harmony. The ancient India which covers Pre-historic age,
vedic, epic, Indus valley, Maurya and gupta dynasty, tugluq raids, etc. The Independent
India is a struggle for freedom. The British raj, Indian National congress, Gandhian era,
Quit India and the Modern India, the largest democratic country in the world. India has
Industrial powers, a breakthrough in all major fields, fastest developed economy and the 7th
Largest country in the world.
INDIA derived its name
from the river Indus, which the early Aryans called the 'Sindhu' (ocean) meaning a huge
sheet of water. This great river in the ancient time formed the western boundary of India.
The Persians, who conquered the country around the river Sindhu, pronounced the letter 'S'
as 'H', thus, terming the region beyond the Sindhu as 'Hindu' or 'Hind'. With the coming
of the muslims, the name became Hindustan and the people inhabiting the land were known as
Hindus, Europeans, however, called India the country of the Indus.
The National Emblem
The National Emblem is an adaptation of Ashoka’s pillar,
Sarnath. The emblem shows only three of the four lions which are visible on the Ashokan
pillar. The wheel portrayed in the centre of the abacus has a bull to the right and horse
to the left. The pillar, however, also has an Elephant and a Rhinoceros at the back. The
words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ means ‘Truth alone triumphs’ are inscribed
below the abacus in the Devnagari script. The emblem is used on all official stationery
and seals of the Government of India. It also appears on Govt. publications and films,
coins, currency notes etc.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the nation on Gandhiji’s
Assasination
‘The Light has
gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere. Our beloved leader, Bapu, as we
called him, the Father of the Nation is no more.. And yet I am wrong for the light that
shone in this country was no ordinary light. A thousand years later, that light will still
be seen.
REPUBLIC DAY - 26TH JANUARY
The first Republic Day Parade was held at Irwin
Stadium (the present National Stadium in Delhi, India). The hoisting of the national flag
by the President and a parade of units representing all the armed forces are the
highlights of the ceremonies. Since many years, the Republic Day Parade starts from
Rashtrapati Bhavan and winding its way through the heart of the city, ends at the
historic Red Fort in Old Delhi.The celebrations are spectacular with ‘Beating
Retreat’ three days later on 29th January. The notes of ‘Abide with
me’,favourite of Mahatma Gandhi is played with final retreat marking the end of
Republic day celebrations.
The rich tradition and
culture of India reflects India’s true blends of rich flavours of harmony. The
Independent India is a struggle for freedom. India became a Republic and the constitution
came into force on January 26, 1950. The Constituent Assembly was convened and appointed a
committee with Dr. B.R.Ambedkar as Chairman to draft the Constitution. India declared
herself to be a Sovereign Democratic Republic. The Indian Constitution, the longest in the
world, consist 397 articles and 12 schedules, which provides for a single citizenship for
the whole of India. It gives the right to vote to all citizens of 18 years and above,
unless they are disqualified. Fundamental rights are guaranteed to the citizens, equality
of religion and so on. The Supreme Court, consisting of the Chief Justice of India and
other judges, is the guardian of the Constitution. It stands at the apex of a single
integrated judicial system for the whole country. This is where the fundamental rights of
the citizens are protected.
The Political Model – The constitution pledge to solemnly resolve to
constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and
secure to all citizens its rights:
The
Political Model - The Constituion
The constitution :
We, the people of India, having solemnly
resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular
Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens:
*Justice, social,
economic and political
*Liberty of thought,
expression, belief, faith and worship
*Equality
of status and
of opportunity and to promote among them all
*Fraternity assuring the
dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation
In our Constituent Assembly this twenty sixth day
of November 1949, Do Hereby Adopt, Enact and give to ourselves this
Constitution.
The constitution of India
was originally written in English. A hindi translation was issued on January 24, 1950.
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Happy Republic Day. Dr. B R Ambedkar as Chairman drafted the
Constitution which came in force on January 26, 1950. This day, India became
a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
Main
features of Indian Constituion:
1. It is a written, comprehensive document; in fact, it is the longest
constituion in the world.
2. It contains 397 articles and 12 scheled
3. It provides for a single citizenship for the whole of India
4. It gives the right to vote to all citizens of 18 years and above, unless
they are otherwise disqualified
5. It guarantees to all citizens certain fundamental rights.
6. It provides for an integrated, single judiciary for the whole of India
7. Being a secular state, India honours all religions equally.
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REPUBLICAN
DAY MESSAGES THEN.....
Dr. Rajendra
Prasad in his special message to his countrymen, on the
birth of the Indian Republic
"We must re-dedicate ourselves on this day to the peaceful
but sure realisation of the dream that had inspired the Father of our Nation and the other
captains and soldiers of our freedom struggle, the dream of establishing a classless,
co-operative, free and happy society in "his country,"
"We must remember that this is more a day of dedications
than of rejoicing - dedication to the glorious task of making the peasants and workers the
toilers and the thinkers fully free,happy and cultured," he added.
C.Rajgopalchari’s message
"On the eve of my laying down office, with the
inauguration of the Republic, I should like to tender my greetings and best wishes to the
men and women of India who will henceforth be a citizen of a republic," said His
Excellency the Governor-General, in a broadcast talk from the Delhi Station of All-India
Radio on Wednesday night.
"I feel deeply thankful for the affection showered on me
by all sections of the people, which alone enabled me to hear the burden of an office to
the duties and conventions of which I had been an utter stranger.
Did you Know?
The Republic day
celebrations are spectacular with ‘Beating Retreat’ at Vijay Chowk in
New Delhi three days later on 29th January. The notes of ‘Abide with me’,
favourite of Mahatma Gandhi is played by mass bands of armed forces with final retreat
marking the end of Republic day celebrations.
You can listen to the most popular Hymn 'Abide with me'. The song is written by Henry Lyte, a vicar who lived in the fishing village of Brixham
Devon . He was dying of Tuberclosis and as he walked by the sea and heard the ebb and the
flow of the tide and for the last time there, he watched the sun, he wrote the
touching song.
Where is death’s
sting? Where, grave, thy victory?..The quote from St. Paul, Bible, the Hymn if often sung
at funerals. Even after the first world war, it became traditional to sing this Hymn
after the Football Cup Final at Wembley In London, first suggested by King George
(fifth)
ABIDE
WITH ME
- Download the song
Abide with me;
fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its
close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief
glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in
terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head
in early youth did'st smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy
presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe,
with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy
cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me
Gandhiji's
Autobiography is a great read Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My
Experiments With Truth.
Gandhiji's
Autobiography 'My Experiments with the Truth' gives a glimpse into the
Indian culture and living on path towards Truth & Non violence. The book has
exceptional revelations of Gandhiji's own life, his experiences, his beliefs
and the stepping stone of his career. A pick for every one who believes in
peace n calm.
Click for
my Gandhiji supplement Page Print media (past issue) |
Press page
|
Read More
Jana Gana Mana....National Anthem of India
Composed by Rabindranath Tagore
Profile of Rabindranath Tagore Here
Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak Jai Hai
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata
Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravid Utkal Banga,
Vindya, Himachal, Yamuna, Ganga,
Ucchal Jaldhit Ranga,
Tav Shubha Naame Jage, Tav Shubha Ashish Mange,
Gaye Tav jug Gatha,
Jan Man Mangal Dayak Jai Hai
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata,
Jai hai, Jai hai, Jai hai,
Jai Jai Jai Jai Hai
The Bengali song "Bharat Vidhata" was
published in a magazine Tattvabhodhini Patrika of which Rabindranath Tagore was the
Editor. He translated into English under the title of Morning Song of India.
THE MORNING SONG OF INDIA
(English translation of Jana Gana Mana..)
Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people,
dispenser of India’s destiny. Thy name rouses the hearts of the Punjab, Sind, Gujarat
and Maratha, of the Dravid and Orissa and Bengali; it echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas
and Himalayas, mingles in the music of the Jamuna and Ganges and is chanted by the waves
of the Indian sea. They pray for thy blessings and sing thy praise. The saving of all
people waits in thy hand, thou, dispenser of India’s destiny.
Victory, victory, victory to thee.
Jana Gana Mana was adopted as National Anthem on 24th January 1950. The
playing time of the full version of the anthem is about 52 seconds. Under no
circumstances, it should be played for more than a minute. The shorter version consists of
the first and last lines of the stanza, playing time is 20 seconds. People should stand as
a mark of respect when the song is being played.
IN THE NEWS - 7TH
SEPTEMBER 2006
Vande
Mataram Not compulsory in State Schools
- Kidsfreesouls
The
recent singing of Vande Mataram, the National song of India is
made 'Not Compulsory' in State Schools. The song composed by
Bankim Chandra and sung by Rabindranath Tagore had its English
translation by Shree Aurobindo. The Gujarat Govt. brought out a
circular that does not make the song to be sung compulsory for
educational Institutes to sing the national song on 7th September.
However, all State Government employees, from CM down to officials
of village Panchayats would sing the song on that day. The song to
be sung on 7th September will be song as per the entire song sung
in the rythm of song sung in the movie Anand Math. The national
song will now be sung every morning at the office of the local
self government, taluka panchayat and the gram Panchayat. The CM
along with his cabinet and over 5000 employees of the Sachivalaya
would be reciting the song near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi
outside the State Assembly.
Here's
the Google
video with the song in action.
Vande Mataram sung by Singer Lata
Mangeshkar & Chorus (movie:Anand Math)
vande maataram
CHORUS: vande maataram (8)
(repeat)
LATA: maa.. maa
sujalam suphalam malayaja sheetalam
shasyashyamalam maataram, vande
sujalam suphalam malayaja sheetalam
shasyashyaamalam maataram, vande maataram !!
CHORUS: vande maataram (8)
LATA: maa
LATA:
shubhra jyotsna pulakitayaaminim
phulla kusumita drumadalashobhinim
aaa
CHORUS:
shubhra jyotsna pulakitayaaminim
phulla kusumita drumadalashobhinim
LATA:
suhaasinim sumadhurabhaashhinim
sukhadaam varadaam maataram
CHORUS: vande maataram (8)
LATA:
(sapta koti kantha kalakalaninaada karale
nisapta koti bhujaidhruta karakarvale) 2
abalakeno maa eto bale
bahubaladhaarinim namaami tarinim
ripudalavarinim maataram, vande maataram !!
CHORUS: vande maataram (8)
LATA:
tvam hi durga dashapraharanadhaarini
kamala kamaladala vihaarini
vaani vidyaadaayini, namaami tvam
namaami kamalam amalam atulam
sujalam suphalam maataram
shyamalam saralam susmitam bhooshhitam
dharinim bharanim maataram, vande maataram !!!!!
CHORUS: vande maataram (8)
LATA: maa.. , maa..
Vande
maataram
sujalaaM suphalaaM malayaja shiitalaam
SasyashyaamalaaM maataram ||
Shubhrajyotsnaa pulakitayaaminiiM
pullakusumita drumadala shobhiniiM
suhaasiniiM sumadhura bhaashhiNiiM
sukhadaaM varadaaM maatara||
Koti koti kantha kalakalaninaada karaale
koti koti bhujai.rdhR^itakharakaravaale
abalaa keno maa eto bale
bahubaladhaariNiiM namaami taariNiim
ripudalavaariNiiM maataram ||
Tumi vidyaa tumi dharma
tumi hR^idi tumi marma
tvaM hi praaNaaH shariire
Baahute
tumi maa shakti
hR^idaye tumi maa bhakti
tomaara i pratimaa gaDi
mandire mandire ||
TvaM hi
durgaa dashapraharaNadhaariNii
kamalaa kamaladala vihaariNii
vaaNii vidyaadaayinii namaami tvaam
Namaami
kamalaaM amalaam atulaam
Sujalaam suphalaam maataram||
ShyaamalaaM saralaam susmitaaM bhuushhitaam
DharaNiiM bharaNiiM maataram |"
Translation
by Shree Aurobindo
Mother, I
bow to thee!
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
bright with orchard gleams,
Cool with thy winds of delight,
Dark fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.
Glory of
moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow.
Who hath
said thou art weak in thy lands
When the sword flesh out in the seventy million hands
And seventy million voices roar
Thy dreadful name from shore to shore?
With many strengths who art mighty and stored,
To thee I call Mother and Lord!
Though who savest, arise and save!
To her I cry who ever her foeman drove
Back from plain and Sea
And shook herself free.
Thou art
wisdom, thou art law,
Thou art heart, our soul, our breath
Though art love divine, the awe
In our hearts that conquers death.
Thine the strength that nervs the arm,
Thine the beauty, thine the charm.
Every image made divine
In our temples is but thine.
Thou art
Durga, Lady and Queen,
With her hands that strike and her
swords of sheen,
Thou art Lakshmi lotus-throned,
And the Muse a hundred-toned,
Pure and perfect without peer,
Mother lend thine ear,
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
Bright with thy orchard gleams,
Dark of hue O candid-fair
In thy
soul, with jeweled hair
And thy glorious smile divine,
Loveliest of all earthly lands,
Showering wealth from well-stored hands!
Mother, mother mine!
Mother sweet, I bow to thee,
Mother great and free!
WHY
15TH AUGUST CHOSEN AS INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY?
It seems that the reason
behind choosing 15th August as India’s Independence Day
isn’t all that dramatic. The fateful date in India’s
history may have been chosen by Lord Mountbatten on a
whim.
In the book ‘Freedom at midnight’ written by Larry Collins
& Domminique Lapierre, the former Governor General says:
“The date I chose came out of the blue. I chose it in
reply to a question. I was determined to show I was master
of the whole event. When they asked had we set a date, I
knew it had to be soon. I hadn’t worked it out exactly
then — I thought it had to be about August or September
and I then went out to the 15th August. Why? Because it
was the second anniversary of Japan's surrender"
Gandhiji's interpreter
Journalist Horace
Alexander narrated an incident that occurred during India
Independence. One day when Gandhi was praying in a
village, a Muslim caught him by the throat.
Gandhi almost collapsed. But even as he fell down, he
recited some lines from the Quran.
On hearing them, the Muslim said, “I am sorry. I am
prepared to protect you. Give me any work. Tell me what
should I do?”
Gandhi replied, “Do only
one thing. When you go back home, do not tell anyone what
you tried to do to me. Otherwise there will be
Hindu-Muslim riots. Forget me and forgive yourself.”
-
News Relay
(Alexander Horace -
Member of The British Society of Friends. He first met
Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram in 1928. Thereafter, he spent
much of his time with Gandhi. He has also authored a book-
Gandhi Through Western Eyes. )
Sources: Times of India
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