<p>India’s national anthem-Jana Gana Mana- which has completed 100 years is not only a national anthem but in the brief span of the song the poet was able to encompass the whole of the country with all its diversity, Rabindranath’s descendant Supriyo Thakur says.<br /><br />“This is a proud moment for us, not only because I belong to this noble family but (also) because I am an Indian and a part of this rich heritage,” Thakur told Deccan Herald from Shantiniketan- once the abode of the Nobel laureate and place of many of his literary creations.<br /><br />Noted author Mahasweta Devi said: “Jana Gana Mana inspires me. It gives me the sense of oneness and makes me feel that I am not an individual being but a part of a large spectrum-the spectrum called India.” <br /><br />According to Sunil Gangopadhyay the song is a true symbol of unity. “It is truly the symbol of unity as it is the only song which people from east to west, north to south know and sing,” said the eminent author and the president of Sahitya Academy.<br /><br />“It’s a proud moment for us. ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is not only the most beautiful song; it also comprehensively describes our unity in diversity. It is the symbol of Indian unity,” said classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan.<br /><br />The lilting national anthem of India completed its 100 years on Tuesday.<br /><br />First sung by a choir on this date in 1911 at the 26th session of the Indian National Congress here, the “Jana Gana Mana” was composed and set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore. Later Independent India’s constituent assembly adopted the first stanza of the Brahmo hymn as the national anthem on Jan 24, 1950.</p>.<p><br />After an intense debate the song scored over Bamkim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Vande Mataram’ and captured the heart of the Indians.<br /><br />Critics had opposed making it India’s national anthem, claiming that it was written as a eulogy to King George V, as the song coincided with the coronation durbar of the British emperor in Delhi. A programme to mark the occasion was organised by noted film maker Rituparna Ghosh at the Town Hall, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor M K Narayanan were present.<br /><br />Congratulating Ghosh for the programme, the governor said, "A 100 years ago, a seminal event took place when Jana Gana Mana was performed publicly. Today, Rituparna more than fulfilled the promise of the legacy." Banerjee said, "The manner in which the culture of entire India was showcased was in keeping with the characteristics of Tagore's works."<br /></p>
<p>India’s national anthem-Jana Gana Mana- which has completed 100 years is not only a national anthem but in the brief span of the song the poet was able to encompass the whole of the country with all its diversity, Rabindranath’s descendant Supriyo Thakur says.<br /><br />“This is a proud moment for us, not only because I belong to this noble family but (also) because I am an Indian and a part of this rich heritage,” Thakur told Deccan Herald from Shantiniketan- once the abode of the Nobel laureate and place of many of his literary creations.<br /><br />Noted author Mahasweta Devi said: “Jana Gana Mana inspires me. It gives me the sense of oneness and makes me feel that I am not an individual being but a part of a large spectrum-the spectrum called India.” <br /><br />According to Sunil Gangopadhyay the song is a true symbol of unity. “It is truly the symbol of unity as it is the only song which people from east to west, north to south know and sing,” said the eminent author and the president of Sahitya Academy.<br /><br />“It’s a proud moment for us. ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is not only the most beautiful song; it also comprehensively describes our unity in diversity. It is the symbol of Indian unity,” said classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan.<br /><br />The lilting national anthem of India completed its 100 years on Tuesday.<br /><br />First sung by a choir on this date in 1911 at the 26th session of the Indian National Congress here, the “Jana Gana Mana” was composed and set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore. Later Independent India’s constituent assembly adopted the first stanza of the Brahmo hymn as the national anthem on Jan 24, 1950.</p>.<p><br />After an intense debate the song scored over Bamkim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Vande Mataram’ and captured the heart of the Indians.<br /><br />Critics had opposed making it India’s national anthem, claiming that it was written as a eulogy to King George V, as the song coincided with the coronation durbar of the British emperor in Delhi. A programme to mark the occasion was organised by noted film maker Rituparna Ghosh at the Town Hall, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor M K Narayanan were present.<br /><br />Congratulating Ghosh for the programme, the governor said, "A 100 years ago, a seminal event took place when Jana Gana Mana was performed publicly. Today, Rituparna more than fulfilled the promise of the legacy." Banerjee said, "The manner in which the culture of entire India was showcased was in keeping with the characteristics of Tagore's works."<br /></p>