The National Anthem of India, “Jana Gana Mana,” is a powerful symbol of the nation’s unity, identity, and collective spirit. Written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel Laureate, the anthem reflects the cultural richness, geographical diversity, and shared destiny of the country.
It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. Nearly four decades later, on 24 January 1950, just a day before India became a Republic, the Constituent Assembly officially adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem of India.
The anthem is sung in Bengali with Sanskritised vocabulary and takes 52 seconds to render in its full version. It is sung with pride at national events, schools, official ceremonies, sports matches, and on occasions of national importance.
More than just a song, Jana Gana Mana is a tribute to the spirit of India – its people, its land, and its democratic soul.
Lyrics of the National Anthem
Jana gana mana adhinayaka jaya he
Bharata bhagya vidhata
Punjaba Sind Gujarata Maratha
Dravida Utkala Banga
Vindhya Himachala Yamuna Ganga
Ucchala jaladhi taranga
Tava subha name jage
Tava subha asisa mage
Gahe tava jaya gatha
Jana gana mangala dayaka jaya he
Bharata bhagya vidhata
Jaya he jaya he jaya he
Jaya jaya jaya jaya he!
Meaning and Significance
In essence, the anthem praises the guiding spirit of India – the force that unites its people and shapes its destiny. It mentions different regions, rivers, mountains, and seas to highlight the vastness and diversity of the nation, yet shows how all these elements come together as one.
The song reminds every Indian that despite different languages, cultures, and traditions, we share one identity and one future. It is a call for unity, harmony, and collective progress.
English Interpretation
You are the leader of the hearts of all people,
The creator of India’s destiny.
Your name inspires the people of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat and Maharashtra,
Of the South, Odisha and Bengal.
It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas,
Flows with the rivers Yamuna and Ganga,
And resounds with the waves of the Indian seas.
They seek your blessings and sing your praise.
Victory to you, giver of welfare and destiny to India.
Victory, victory, victory to you.
Why the National Anthem Matters Today
In today’s fast-changing, digital, and global world, the National Anthem continues to ground us in our roots. When students stand in attention, when athletes sing it on international platforms, and when citizens hear it on national occasions, it renews a sense of belonging, pride, and responsibility.
Jana Gana Mana is not just about the past – it is a reminder of who we are and what we stand for as Indians.
Jana Gana Mana - The National Anthem of India
