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In a place like Kashmir where the children were injected with the false narrative of secessionism by small fraction of the population for their vested interests and their own children pursuing studies at the top institutions of the world, we need to think about the child of a common Kashmiri family, who leaves his home in the morning with aspirations and dreams. Over the last four years, Kashmir has witnessed unimaginable optimistic changes in the social fabric and political arena. This unbroken wave of change, marked by its pace and prosperity, has brought about the highest tourist footfall (1.88 crores), a historically successful G20 summit, the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, the transformation of over 300 terrorist destinations into tourist attractions, and, above all, a prevailing sense of happiness for the common populace of Kashmir.
Emerging from the shades of violence and killings, the place is gradually reclaiming its status as a paradise on earth. Kashmiri youth are now with new dreams and aspirations. With the morning voices of those gushing rivers, the morning breezes from ‘Harmukh’, chirping of birds perched on Chinar, and the mystical voices from Mosques, Temples, and Gurudwaras, singing National Anthem in school morning assemblies will not only amplify the beauty of Kashmir but instil the National pride and prestige in the hearts of the students.
My definition of National Anthem is a source of pride and cultural significance for citizens, that creates allegiance and loyalty to its country, a reminder of significant national/cultural/political events. In our National Flag, the saffron represents sacrifice, white tranquillity, and green prosperity with the wheel of Ashoka as a symbol of progress. The purpose of singing the National Anthem is to show pride in our country. Singing the National Anthem unites its people. It instils patriotism and nationalism in the hearts of citizens. In recent times, we have been hearing a lot of debate about whether one should stand up in the movie hall for the National Anthem, as a student and also as a proud citizen of this country; I wonder why it is even a topic to debate. I take pride every time I hear the National Anthem and whether it is a movie Hall or TV, the sense of belonging one feels towards our country makes me proud and amazed at the unity in diversity.
Quoting Shah Faesal (IAS) from his latest Podcast he says “I haven’t witnessed the National Anthem being sung in a school during my whole school life in Kashmir”, which must draw our attention to the fact, that it needs to be made mandatory in morning assembly of every school, which will help to evoke the sense of patriotism in kids from their childhood and reminds them of their Nation’s glory, beauty and rich heritage. During the performance of the National Anthem, the students and teachers of the school rise up in unison despite their ethnic differences, caste, sex, and position, which will create the best example of ‘unity in diversity’.
Breaking down a few lines of our National Anthem:
“Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya He Bharata Bhagya Vidhata
Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha Dravida Utkala Banga”
In English: “Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people, Dispenser of India’s destiny. Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Of the Dravida, Utkala, and Bengal.”
What else can be soothing in the morning assembly of a school in Kashmir?
I, as an alumnus of an Army school, found it very peculiar, when I hear the National Anthem along with the National Pledge in the morning assembly of a school in Kashmir doesn’t take place. During my school days, soon after morning prayers, we used to sing the National Anthem first followed by the National Pledge reading, “India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. I shall strive to be worthy of it. I shall respect my parents, teachers, and all elders and treat everyone with courtesy. To my country and all my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness”. This was the stage where I used to feel like the rest of the students of school irrespective of their class, hostel, their hometown, etc.
Having the National Anthem and National Pledge in schools will help nurture children with positive vibes of patriotism from a young age and instill in them the feelings of respect and pride towards their country.
– The writer is a student activist can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
My definition of National Anthem is a source of pride and cultural significance for citizens, that creates allegiance and loyalty to its country, a reminder of significant national/cultural/political events. In our National Flag, the saffron represents sacrifice, white tranquillity, and green prosperity with the wheel of Ashoka as a symbol of progress. The purpose of singing the National Anthem is to show pride in our country. Singing the National Anthem unites its people. It instils patriotism and nationalism in the hearts of citizens. In recent times, we have been hearing a lot of debate about whether one should stand up in the movie hall for the National Anthem, as a student and also as a proud citizen of this country; I wonder why it is even a topic to debate. I take pride every time I hear the National Anthem and whether it is a movie Hall or TV, the sense of belonging one feels towards our country makes me proud and amazed at the unity in diversity.
Quoting Shah Faesal (IAS) from his latest Podcast he says “I haven’t witnessed the National Anthem being sung in a school during my whole school life in Kashmir”, which must draw our attention to the fact, that it needs to be made mandatory in morning assembly of every school, which will help to evoke the sense of patriotism in kids from their childhood and reminds them of their Nation’s glory, beauty and rich heritage. During the performance of the National Anthem, the students and teachers of the school rise up in unison despite their ethnic differences, caste, sex, and position, which will create the best example of ‘unity in diversity’.
Breaking down a few lines of our National Anthem:
“Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya He Bharata Bhagya Vidhata
Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha Dravida Utkala Banga”
In English: “Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people, Dispenser of India’s destiny. Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Of the Dravida, Utkala, and Bengal.”
What else can be soothing in the morning assembly of a school in Kashmir?
I, as an alumnus of an Army school, found it very peculiar, when I hear the National Anthem along with the National Pledge in the morning assembly of a school in Kashmir doesn’t take place. During my school days, soon after morning prayers, we used to sing the National Anthem first followed by the National Pledge reading, “India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. I shall strive to be worthy of it. I shall respect my parents, teachers, and all elders and treat everyone with courtesy. To my country and all my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness”. This was the stage where I used to feel like the rest of the students of school irrespective of their class, hostel, their hometown, etc.
Having the National Anthem and National Pledge in schools will help nurture children with positive vibes of patriotism from a young age and instill in them the feelings of respect and pride towards their country.
– The writer is a student activist can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
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