National Anthem of India: Meaning, Duration, Adoption

National anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana, is one of the most respected national symbols of the country. It expresses the spirit of patriotism, unity, and national pride. Whenever citizens sing or listen to the anthem, they feel emotionally connected to the nation. Understanding the history, meaning, lyrics, and rules related to the anthem helps every Indian show proper respect toward it. 

National Anthem of India History and Background

Jana Gana Mana was originally composed in Bengali. Rabindranath Tagore wrote this hymn on December 11, 1911. The original title of the song was “Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata.” Out of its five stanzas, only the first stanza was selected as the official anthem. The anthem reflects India’s diversity by mentioning many regions, rivers, mountains, and cultures. This is why the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana is considered a song of national destiny.

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Who Wrote National Anthem of India?

Many candidates ask: who wrote national anthem of India? The answer is Rabindranath Tagore. He was a Nobel Prize-winning poet and a great literary figure of India. Tagore also wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh, which shows his global importance. The Rabindranath Tagore national anthem composition is praised for its deep patriotic emotions and poetic beauty.

First Singing of Jana Gana Mana

The song was first sung publicly on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, Tagore’s niece, performed it before national leaders. In 1919, Tagore sang it again at Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh, where its melody was written in Western musical notation. This event is remembered as the historic first singing of Jana Gana Mana.

Adoption of National Anthem of India in 1950

After independence, India needed an official anthem. The Constituent Assembly carefully reviewed many patriotic songs. Finally, on January 24, 1950, Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted as the national anthem. This marked the formal adoption of national anthem of India and gave the country a musical identity.

Jana Gana Mana Meaning and Significance

The anthem is written in Sanskritized Bengali called Sadhu Bhasha, which is the Jana Gana Mana original language. The words praise the “Dispenser of India’s destiny.” It highlights unity among different states like Punjab, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravida, Utkala, and Bengal. The Jana Gana Mana significance lies in bringing all Indians together under one emotion. The Jana Gana Mana meaning teaches that India is one nation despite many languages and traditions.

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Jana Gana Mana Lyrics – Full Official Text

The officially accepted Jana Gana Mana lyrics consist of the following lines:

Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata
Punjab-Sindh-Gujarat-Maratha
Dravida-Utkala-Banga
Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga
Uchchala-jaladhi-taranga
Tava shubha name jage
Tava shubha ashisha mange
Gahe tava jaya gatha
Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata
Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he
Jaya jaya jaya, jaya he

These words form the emotional core of the anthem.

Duration of National Anthem of India

The full version of Jana Gana Mana takes about 52 seconds to sing or play. There is also a short version of national anthem used on some occasions, which lasts around 20 seconds. Knowing the correct duration of national anthem of India is important for event organizers and institutions.

Difference Between National Anthem and National Song

India has both an anthem and a song. The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana. The national song is Vande Mataram written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The anthem has strict ceremonial rules, while the national song does not have the same legal obligations. This is the main difference between national anthem and national song.

National Anthem Rules and Etiquette Every Citizen Must Know

The government has framed clear national anthem rules and etiquette:

• Everyone must stand to attention when the anthem is played.
• People should maintain silence and discipline.
• The anthem should not be distorted or remixed.
• It must not be used in disrespectful places or acts.
• No clapping or talking is allowed during its rendition.

These protocols ensure respect toward the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

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Guidelines on Playing National Anthem in Public Events

Official Guidelines on Playing National Anthem state that:

• The anthem is played during national functions, parades, and official ceremonies.
• The full version is used on Republic Day and Independence Day.
• The short version is used for the Guard of Honour.
• Schools, offices, cinemas, and sports events can play the anthem following proper decorum.

Code of Conduct for the National Anthem

Under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, any intentional disrespect to the anthem is punishable. Creating disturbance, refusing to stand, or mocking the anthem violates the Code of Conduct for the National Anthem. This law protects the dignity of the national anthem Original Bengali composition.

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