Citizens need to show respect to our National Anthem

National Anthem is known to many but singing the same in the correct manner is something which very few are aware. In the wake of the upcoming Independence Day, Indira Foundation and Rashtrageete Jagruti Abhiyana Samiti are organising National Anthem Awareness Campaign on August 15.

Speaking to the DH on Wednesday, noted litterateur Prof Doddarange Gowda said, “Of late, in many events where I attend Independence Day celebrations, I see people disrespecting the National Anthem. Some eat peanuts, some carelessly are seated, and in many other instances they show disrespect to the anthem. They don’t even consider to stand up at least.”

“Though people sing National Anthem, many don’t know the lyrics properly. People even make mistakes in pronunciations. Hence, we shall distribute the lyrics of the National Anthem in bi-lingual scripts (both in Kannada and English). After the distribution of the pamphlets, the local people would be told about the importance of the National Anthem and we shall make them understand as to why every Indian should feel proud to sing our National Anthem. Then, we shall teach them the right lyrics,” he said.

“The programme is scheduled to commence on August 15, from New Baldwin School grounds, Hegganahalli at 7.30 am, where well-known musician Hamsalekha will host the tricolour flag and then launch the Rath(chariot) Yatra,” said V Lokesh Gowda, President of Indira Foundation and Rashtrageete Jagruti Abhiyana Samiti.

“With the team of expert musicians, the locals will be roped in to sing the National Anthem. Once the
National Anthem rendition is over, the Rath will move to the next junction where the locals will be again roped in and the National Anthem will be sung again. This process will continue at all the 72 junctions,” he added.

“This historic walk will begin from the New Baldwin School, leading a huge procession of folk artistes and volunteers, marking a 40 km travel to T Dasarahalli Assembly Constituency and will stop at about 72 junctions,” Lokesh informed.

“ At each of these junction, the Rath will stop and the volunteers would distribute the pamphlets to the local people. This programme will be organised on a grand scale as more than 5,000 people are expected to participate with the help of over 200 volunteers, who will help us to achieve this campaign successfully,” he said.

“All the pro-Kannada organisations have extended their support, along with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Peenya industries. Also, organisations from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have also come forward to take it up to the national level, which will be done in the near future,” he beamed with pride.

“Basically, this is a unique campaign to teach National Anthem to everyone. Though every individual is patriotic, we need to organise these kinds of programme to bring out the patriotic fervour in individuals. I also want to clarify that this programme is purely a non-political one,” he added.