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| | The Bangalore Business Network Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | Views: 6591 | | Apr 09, 2007 7:41 am | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Bikash Kumar Das | | Todays DH news did really shocked me when the most recommended next Presidential nominee gave statement against use of NATIONAL ANTHEM during the visit of our own President to Infy camp.Law of the land- Its India and we are bound to sing our national anthem with greater pride.Sorrowfully none of so large number of highly educated employee could sing it!! Me being the son of a strong freedom fighter and a me beinbg former soldier of Indian military strongly condemn it.Mr.Narayanamurthy should not have talk for the happiness of foreigners while it was for the cause of gala occasion of own Presidents visit!WE never sing national anthem either to make any foreigners happy nor feel embarrasseed.Its our pride to have ability singing national anthem- for what thousands of indian gave their lives at the gallows of the British.
I deeply regret for it.Wish he read this page that no countries national anthem is used or stopped otherwise.
(Did he meant to sing US/UK national anthem?? I wonder!)
Bikash Kumar DasPrivate Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 09, 2007 11:24 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Siddhartha Deb | | I agree with Dr. Bikash..I havent read the news but if its true, it is indeed shocking.
We already have enough people trying to nibble away at our national integrity, identity and symbols..such acts have almost become fashionable, synonymous with 'modernism'. A highly respected and high profile person joining the list was least expected.
Sid Private Reply to Siddhartha Deb | | Apr 09, 2007 2:14 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bikash Kumar Das | | Thanks Sid.Its nice to have your feelings.Although I failed to get any response (From even Animal lovers/Nature lover)regarding Lions issue at Gir Forest.But this incident need to be taken more cautiousely.
Regards.
BikashPrivate Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 09, 2007 2:28 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Rudy | | I read the newspaper reports about it. If singing the National Anthem would embarass a few foriegners, then why have a country called India. I think Mr.Murthy is taking Athithidevobhava to a new level all together !!! What is equally surprising is that TV Channels have kept totally silent on the issue or is it the PR machine of Infosys at play. I wonder what is so embarassing about our national anthem, or should we sing the Star Spangled Banner because we get the green backs from them !! huh ! Private Reply to Rudy | | Apr 09, 2007 2:40 pm | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Venkat Rao | | This is why this country does not progress. THe people at the top are ashamed to be Indian, do anything that is Indian, to be associated with things Indian. And, go overboard to be WOGs (Westernised Oriental 'Gentlemen'). What a shame!
VR Private Reply to Venkat Rao | | Apr 09, 2007 2:43 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Sunil Naik | | I read the news and could not beleive that none of those Infosians could sing our national anthem.
Shameful on part of whoever did it or does it. We live to protect the dignity and integrity of our country. NRN no fit for becoming a prez. Private Reply to Sunil Naik | | Apr 10, 2007 1:35 am | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
BGS | | Thanks Bikash for highlighting the issue.Though personally i have not read the article(did it feature in TOI)
Narayan murthy is an icon for a lot of Indians and infosys for setting the benchmark for modern day India.
But undoubtedly our NATIONAL ANTHEM is bigger than any individual or organisation,and its our duty to respect and honour our National Anthem,come what may.The trend is disturbing. Private Reply to BGS | | Apr 10, 2007 6:26 am | | re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Swapna latha | | National anthem could make foreigners at Infy uneasy: NRN
Here is the full story
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr92007/state05631200749.asp
Private Reply to Swapna latha | | Apr 10, 2007 8:52 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bikash Kumar Das | | Friends, a tiny note for informations.When we military people took retirements from countries services,we have lot many obligations to follow till we die.
First one is failure to sing/recite and stand up while national anthem is being sung: Liability to loose pensionary benefit for the rest of life.This mean cutting of all benefit offered by the constitution of India.This is one of the big punisment to our family too.(Of course we dnt dare to do such against the country).
So in this case this Z category VVIP should be now barred from sitting the highest chair of the country.
What you feel?
Jai HInd.
Bikash Kumar DasPrivate Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 10, 2007 10:07 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Srimatesh K | | It is indeed disgusting and shameful of NRN and the brand that he is so proud of - Infy for this unpatriotic act. Is NRN so ashamed and embarrased to give the national anthem its due? or is it that for all his 'business vision' and blabbering about how to take India into the future, he doesnt know the national anthem himself. And what were the thousands of indian Infosys employees doing? Cant they sing? I am not sure if there is any restriction on anybody singing the national anthem along. In fact most organisers of functions where the President of India attends ensure that there is a police band in attendance to play it.
Some respect for the nation and its people and their sentiments from a visionary biz leader!
The PR machinery at Infy failed to stop this blunder from appearing in the press....Dont know how many have been swept under the carpet!
And NRN for presidents post! Thats outrageous and hilarious.Private Reply to Srimatesh K | | Apr 10, 2007 12:09 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
angry indian | |
Mr. NRN feels bad that the national anthem be sung in their office premises, because foreigners in the campus would feel bad.
'Software coolies' is the name given to people in the Software Services Industry by some of their prestigious customers abroad. Their motto is to get cheap labour out of this prideful nation, which is not respected by politicians, leaders, industrialists and sportsmen, who are more happier making their bounties bigger.
I wonder what the President's office is doing about this?
I think it is time that we make singing of the national anthem mandatory in offices as well, as in school every morning. I think it would also be befitting to the nation to ask Mr. NRN to shift his campuses in India to a country where there is no rule to sing the national anthem ever!
It is also a shame that we have a media lobby, which make hue and cry if Sachin tendulkar gets out or Greg Chappel make a comment, but do not dare confront someone like NRN. May be it is a matter that does not get them sponsors for ads, money in terms of SMS that can be made from stupid opinion polls and increase their overall rating.
While philanthropy is not expected out of all these big names, a basic respect to their place of livelihood is akin to saying 'namasthe' or hello (for those indian foreigners who have forgotten to say 'namasthe') to your own mother, however, old and bad she is!
It is further a shame on us Indians, who do not have stringent laws to punish whomsoever disregard our country, be it politicians, industrialists, sportsmen or anybody else.
I am not sure how many of you have felt that Tax sops, incentives, land at throw away prices, SEZ's are all for economic growth of industrialists and politicians, and not for the common man. No wonder, we have issues like Nandigram among others.
I think India is well defined with the following statement which does nothing to our heritage, which is rich and not even known to many of us.
"Do anything, say anything, get away if you have the money and the power, no matter where it comes from!"
There is only one way forward to resurrect this country, stand up and fight! Nothing short of a revolution is required to clean the system and the country from its root. This is probably going to be the responsibility of youngsters!
But unfortunately, we have bad news here as well. This generation of youngsters have been corrupted with ideas of landing a college admission or a job, by using shortcuts with a host of middlemen, helping them get admissions and jobs into academic institutions and other corporate setups.
It was not long ago that the same Mr. NRN wanted the educational system to be handled by the Industry. Now we know what we can expect if that were to happen?
Take any issue of the country today, Cricket, land allotment, endorsements of players, non availability of talent pool, unemployment, development, economic growth, infrastructure, agriculture, rising prices, inflation, overall growth or health, it is only governed by the power of politicians, industrialists and a set of anti-social elements, with the money and muscle power!
In India, it is all about money, honey!
Private Reply to angry indian | | Apr 10, 2007 4:03 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Suman Mohan | | It is digusting to know that even after such humiliations...the VVIPs have NOT apologised. Such is the patriotism in our country. Now, I feel happier and proud not to be in an organisation, which cannot sing national anthem.......But then..will it make any difference at all to any of those "citizens" .....who really were part of this shameful act...... Private Reply to Suman Mohan | | Apr 11, 2007 12:58 am | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
BGS | | Amongst all these it was indeed so nice to read that His Excellency Dr Abdul Kalam sang the NATIONAL ANTHEM with so much of enthusiasm and love,showing his reverence to our NATIONAL ANTHEM.His Excellency is simply great and a trend setter for Indians in many ways.
I only hope and pray that Dr Kalam accepts to a second term in office.
It reminds me of those days when the NATIONAL ANTHEM used to be played in cinema halls at the end of the movie,i dont know why it is was discontinued,think the practice should be brought back,it instilled a sense of national pride,and created a feeling of oneness and unity.
I recollect here the contribution of industrialist Mr Jindal,who fought a court battle to have the right of flying our NATIONAL FLAG,by the citizens of India at their places of work and stay.
In this regard,i would like to highlight the fact that we also have cars,which while taking a reverse have music of our national songs,like 'Saare jahan se accha,Hindustan hamara'playing,this is so atrocious,our national symbols should'nt be insulted like this. Private Reply to BGS | | Apr 11, 2007 11:33 am | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bikash Kumar Das | | Thanks all good Indians-Ryzians.Already matter gone to Karnataka Lagislative Assembly as well the peoples of Karnataka/India and considered for stern actions.He lost something while climbing up for the chair of Rastrapati Bhavan!!!Let him face music now.Lets have a breath now.
Thanks all.
Jai Hind.
Bikash Kumar DasPrivate Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 11, 2007 11:47 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Venkat Rao | | While this and several other statements of NRN are quite silly, what this whole controversy brought out is that as much as there is a strong section in favour of him (this mornings issue of one of the yuppy dailies went out of the way to defend him), it is clear that there is a huuuuge section out there than doesnt appreciate his overblown self image. NRN better cool off for his own good!
VR Private Reply to Venkat Rao | | Apr 11, 2007 11:49 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Jasvinder Singh | | Narayana Murthy is afraid to embrass foriegners with the nationla anthem. This shows is that he is no patriot and only a greedy capitalist. Shame on him and shame on the people who have sugested his name for the president of India. Private Reply to Jasvinder Singh | | Apr 11, 2007 11:57 am | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Ram Mulage | | Are we talking just based on these news reports or we know anything concrete? Just wondering! Private Reply to Ram Mulage | | Apr 11, 2007 11:59 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Manoj Sethu | | I think this is being blown out of proportion.
If a person is born in India, it's not his mistake. If he does not like to sing the national anthem or salute the national flag, he cannot be penalised. That would be the craziest thing to do, because then atleast 70% of Indians should then be penalised.
Take for example an India-Pak cricket match. How many times have you seen or heard (and it's 100% truth) that some people distribute sweets when Pak wins over India. If all those comments above are true, wouldn't this be an equally punishable offence?
The choice of whether one chooses to sing or hum or play a national anthem is his or her own. HOWEVER, my opinion will be limited to that. Any show of disrespect must be dealt with seriously.
Not participating is not disrespect, but participating and doing something wrong internationally just for the pleasure of it, is disrespect.
The point here is not whether NRN is a capable President, but there might have been other compulsions which cannot be expressed in the media. So, it's time to drop making it a political issue and ignore it, thinking rationally.
Private Reply to Manoj Sethu | | Apr 11, 2007 12:09 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Jasvinder Singh | | Would you expect the president of USA to not recite the national anthem when its being played in his presence? Why should this rule aply to Indians. When we pledge faith in our constitution, then giving respect to national symbols and taking part in national ceremonies is mandatory.
People who beleive that patriotism to the mother land is a matter of choice should leave the country as its such people who sold India to the invaders and colonisers and made us suffer slavery for hundreds of years. Its the attitude of such citizens that has made the corrupt politicians rape and ruin India. We dont need a Chalta Hai attitude any more and not in issues of national interest definitely.Private Reply to Jasvinder Singh | | Apr 11, 2007 12:43 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
mohammed asif | | Never expected NRN to say something so 'stupid' ..n he dared to repeat in again in his clarification the next day. All those who want him at the raisina hills - forget it ..this place is not for a person who is bothered about foreiners feeling uneasy if he sings our national anthem!!
he shld know even at olympics different national anthems (though instrumental) are played in the presence of every country ...n hey guys, have you seen the sense of pride in those sportmen/women when the anthem is played in the foreground.
NRN shld know we shld take pride in singing our anthem - esp. in the presence of foreign nationals - lets be demonstrative of our patriotism and not hide it.
Have said tht, i dnt want to brand NRN as non-patriotic. Tht a very strong statement for any Indian - it hurts!
we all wish NRN comes out and apologise openly and not diplomatically. Private Reply to mohammed asif | | Apr 11, 2007 5:42 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Shobha(usha) gowri | | Manoj-two observations in your mail
70 percent-you mean the illiterate-?0 percent-the illiterates?then it is not their fault
and more importntly-you have to sing the national anthem everytime
You cant stand quite or fidget-standing at attention and singing along is not a choice-but mandatory
So if they played the music!!!!!karaoke what?-then NRN needs to go back to his school
and his comment on the water situation
what else can we expect from a group that is a blatant land grabbing hot air ballon?Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri | | Apr 11, 2007 6:21 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Manoj Sethu | | Usha
We are talking of respecting or dis-respecting our national Symbols / Anthem.
Not singing is definitely not dis-respect. Dis-respect is when one intentionally does things to show dislike; eg sitting, joking, fidgeting, or latest trend of using the mobile, etc....
Nope, the govt nor the constitution nor the law does not state that one MUST sing the National Anthem. One can keep silent, but STAND. That would be respect in itself.
Who are we to moral police this issue? Do we follow all the law of the land? All those `patriots' in white clothing who are crying wolf, how many can vouch of adhering to the law of the land everytime?
Lets start with all those who are complaining first! Maybe the Parliament would be the right beginning. I can already see some of 'em scrambling for their kids texts for the Anthem.
We have seen one of our ex-PMs standing still, not even a lip service while it was being played during the inauguration of the Bangalore IT.com (or IT.IN as known now). In fact we made a joke of that chap who didnt even know the National Anthem or had the audacity of not singing. So where do we begin the blame game? Where did the media go then? Why didn't they highlight this issue then?
Let's not award NRN, but atleast not make a mess of his life over some media hype. He was misquoted or not, don't you guys even give a chance to the person who has apologised in public? Have we become so thick skinned? We cry over killer dogs on the street killing innocent kids, but we create a bomb over this issue. This is quite astonishing that people who think and rave that they are Ghandians known for forgiveness and peace, are behaving like extremists.
The media tends to play hype just to sell it's news slot or space. And we fall like nine pins and go gaga over it! Definitely needs some thought about our own attitude, before we point fingers at others.Private Reply to Manoj Sethu | | Apr 12, 2007 3:49 am | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Somashekar Somashekar | | Sad that in this age too we have so called leaders kissing the feet of the foreigners.
Mr. Murthy sure knows he is paid by foreigners and the slave in him urges him to kiss their feet and please them in every way.
His true colour is there for all to see, Know now, he may even subjugate the indian employees to a foreigner's domination. Employees at infosys better prepare yourself to serve the foreigners well or else murthy will fire you.
What is nation to him, What is anthem to him, Nothing at all. All he loves is to please his foreigners.
SomashekarPrivate Reply to Somashekar Somashekar | | Apr 12, 2007 5:53 am | | re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Sam .. | |
To err is human.. to make it worse is NRN bashers.. I cant really understand whats the whole deal is about.. there are large issues to deal with than just go NRN bashing.. Atleast he was part of team who has built an organisation which pays the bills of 70 to 80 thousand employees.. So before we start bashing somebody else and be patriotic one fine morning.. lets look at own misgivings and move on in life..
Atleast that would make us a bit different from the Jokers who consitute the legislative assembly.
cheers
Sam.Private Reply to Sam .. | | Apr 12, 2007 6:06 am | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Siddhartha Deb | | Manoj...one wrong doesnt justify another. Our Parliamentarians are not the best role models and i think we all have at various times expressed our disgust about them.
NM is seen or perceived as a different man. I will not comment on accusations of land grabbing 'coz I dont know what the truth is. But he is a man perceived to be 'clean' (atleast cleaner than many others), a man looked upto by many from the younger generation.
In that context, his comments on the Anthem and the actual act of playing the instrumental 'coz some foreigners may feel uncomfortable is demeaning. Atleast for someone like me who has grown up believing that singing the Anthem is a matter of pride,I find it difficult to digest such a justification. Would I want my daughter to grow up believing in what NM said...definitely not. Its the implications on impressionable minds that worries me most. What do we intend to teach our children? As it is we live in times when our nation is threatened body harm by certain rogue neighbours. We are ourselves torn apart by matters of caste, religion, language etc.
I personally feel symbols like the National Flag, the National Anthem, National Song (apart from the more real things like interconnecting roads, telecom networks and rivers) are of immense value in holding and binding us together. I would not like to age and die seeing these symbols weaken coz some people think such symbols are an embarassment at times. And I am sure there are many who would feel like me.
sid Private Reply to Siddhartha Deb | | Apr 12, 2007 6:46 am | | re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Suresh Tulshyan | | Hi Guys!!
I think this is being blown out of proportion. I am not supporting NRN not am i condemning him, but just a thought.. how many of you guys can actually recite the anthem flawless. And be true to yourselves.. (no googling or looking at text books... and not even asking your young one ;))
We have a habit of cribbing... instead of making things better..we just sit back and crib and hope some genie will come along and make things right in a wink.
and trust me.. had this statement not come from NRN..it would have passed without a notice...
Certainly these are not the statements u like to hear from responsible people like NRN.. but i think there are more important things to do..
your comments folks!!!
Cheers
Suresh Private Reply to Suresh Tulshyan | | Apr 12, 2007 7:05 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Siddhartha Deb | | Precisely the point Suresh...we arent talking about some Tom, Dick or Harry commenting on the Anthem. Nor about some crook of a politician. We are talking about NM, a man who has carefully cultivated a clean image (I am not suggesting he isnt) and someone whom many from the younger generation look upto. What he says will have an impression on young minds. What you or I say may not. Its like a guy saying he love his mom a lot but will not introduce her to his friends 'coz she isnt fluent in English and the friends may feel uncomfortable.
Yes, there are many more important things to do. It isnt asif people have stopped going about their lives and are instead debating this matter endlessly. People are expressing their displeasure on this matter and in my view are right in doing so. After all what is a nation that doesnt care for its hallowed symbols.
sid Private Reply to Siddhartha Deb | | Apr 12, 2007 9:43 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Manoj Sethu | | The discussion's now going perfect.
Right question Suresh, how many of all those who were flogging NRN with words, really know our National Anthem?
Coming to what NRN said, he used a wrong word `embarassed', and definitely was a word used carelessly. A person of his stature and eliteness should be very careful with using words especially in the media which is waiting (SIC!) for such news.
Private Reply to Manoj Sethu | | Apr 12, 2007 1:30 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Basab Ghosh | | Sometime back, there was a surprise survey done by a TV channel among our MPs. They went up to a number of them and requested them to sing the national anthem. Only one or two of the ten - fifteen they interviewed could actually recite the first line correctly!
"Let those throw the first stone who have never sinned!", said Jesus Christ. Apt here, don't you think?Private Reply to Basab Ghosh | | Apr 12, 2007 4:39 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Ritesh | | Is a person’s sense of responsibility while using such sentences only limited when addressing the media?
Could such mistakes happen by a person who most of the times is heard quoting about the amount of strength that India possesses?
I think not….
Yes, we are not expected to sing the National Anthem at all times, but are “most certainly expected” to keep India’s Pride and uphold things that are associated with it.
Mr. Murthy is an house hold name to an audience of over a billion and such disgraceful statements is not expected from him.
Infact, not from any Indian. A man with such recognition and stature should rather be instilling a stronger sense of patriotism among the youngsters (atleast his own employees if not any body else).
I don’t care what people and media say about the land grabbing issue( given that the politicians are just a bunch of jokers..let's not pay attention to them).
But, his company is a source of livelihood to lakhs of people.That is a good enough reason for the government to help such a company. However, with such low-minded statements, isn’t he is embarrassing himself infront of outside students or delegates?
Would you want to be associated with a person or company that is embarrassed to sing the Nation’s Anthem?
I am not saying that a person should be punished for this reason. NO. However, it does question his integrity.
And it hurts to know that Mr. Murthy whom the country is proud of and adored for quite some time, can even think in such a manner.
I just fail to understand how singing of Our National Anthem would embarrass any outsider?
Private Reply to Ritesh | | Apr 12, 2007 5:44 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Shobha(usha) gowri | | Yes Sam-now that he gave jobs to people shall we say ,give him some more "rights" ?like bashing up a face he doesnt like ?
Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri | | Apr 13, 2007 2:48 am | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! Enjoy this | # | 
Vijayasimha SK | | http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7399792002477900458
Private Reply to Vijayasimha SK | | Apr 13, 2007 2:53 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Manoj Sethu | | Ritesh
Your observations well taken. However, being a not so great English speaking chief of a company, has anyone spared a thought to say what he actually meant by what he said?
"Indeed we had arranged for five people to sing the anthem. But then we cancelled it as we have foreigners on-board here. They should not be embarrassed while we sing the anthem."
Can he actually have meant that the foreigners (we dont know who they are really) would feel embarrassed that they would be standing as ignorant fools when the world around them sings our Anthem?
Could it be so?
Surely he, you and me would be proud to stand straight and sing the Anthem.
However, I think he made a media error than meaning anything else, he who always thinks of making India proud in every work and word. Would he actually mean to be-little our Anthem? It's a kids guess he wont.
And, he has apologised. I read about some prolific superhero saying on media that NRN didn't apologise from his heart. pooh pooh! tell me whether any superheroes, anyone at all apologises even? And how to prove it? tear the heart and show his apology?
I am not holding a fort to protect NRN, but I think we need to spare a thought for what he has fought for us Bangloreans, has taken on the high and mighty politicians head-on without mincing words.
And such is his speaking straight, he may not have had time to `refine' his speech (like politicians). I sometimes think people like refined political sweet talk and do nothing, than straight talk.
I can understand superheroes who stand on dias and throw their arms up saying NRN commited a crime. Private Reply to Manoj Sethu | | Apr 13, 2007 5:18 am | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Basab Ghosh | | Aah! How we revel in trashing people we envy for their success! People we are not competent enough to emulate! I believe this episode has exposed many such faces, foremost among them our political bigwigs! :) Private Reply to Basab Ghosh | | Apr 13, 2007 5:34 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Prem A | | I think this has been reported incorrectly.
It was probably meant that the 5 people who were to sing the anthem might have been nervous as there were foreigners around and perhaps didnt want make a mistake in front of them and the President.
As far as singing goes many can't even sing Happy Birthday properly. The National Anthem is far more rich. I remember spending weeks in Convent School to learn the Anthem and correct pronunciation.
Moral of the story: Take pride in singing your National Anthem and make sure you know it.Private Reply to Prem A | | Apr 13, 2007 1:36 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
BGS | | Mr Basab has pointed out that out of envy,we are taking pot shots at someone who is successful.
My observation is that any Indian wether successful or not,should take pride in singing the NATIONAL ANTHEM or atleast make an honest and sincere effort in doing so,it is the spirit which is more important.
I am not an infosysian or anybody related to the software industry per se,though i have immense regard for NRN,the fact is our NATIONAL symbols like the ANTHEM or the NATIONAL FLAG should be given its due respect and importance.
If the politicians have taken up the matter in the assembly,there is nothing wrong in it,and they have every right to do it. Private Reply to BGS | | Apr 13, 2007 1:58 pm | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Ehtesham Ahmed (Suhail) | |
It is very unfortunate for Narayan Murthy to have given a statement like that - We dont exactly know what transpired out there but yes if it is true that he did it to please a few "Foriegners" then its an insult to India and worthy of being condoned.We Indians should develop a sense of pride for our nation and not feel ashamed to be Indians.
I just hope such grave violations do not occur in the future- for the pleasure of the foriegners.
Regards
Ehtesham Ahmed Private Reply to Ehtesham Ahmed (Suhail) | | Apr 13, 2007 2:24 pm | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
pawan mohan | | Guys,
i am following this post for sometime.. i am feeling that i can bet a million dollor on all you guys that if someone give u a chance to come to white house and where whole wolrd's presidents and big guns are there and if you have to sing a nation anthem( which you normally never do in ur routine life) then u will make more mistakes than NRN...
So whatz this fuzz is all about. he is the man who make india proud in all his best ways and now you guys are pulling his legs on one mistake :(
better check urself first before blaming others
Pawan
Private Reply to pawan mohan | | Apr 13, 2007 6:22 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Ritesh | | Usha – When I mentioned about Infosys creating jobs for 70 or 80K people, I did not mean that it would permit any one the right to either bash or kiss a person’s face.
It was about the land grabbing issue that one of us mentioned in this thread.
It’s a pretty simple thing. When such a large number of employment is generated, it in-turn generates thousands of other opportunities starting from a constructor worker to the person who sells chai outside a particular campus to benefit from such an enormous growth. That’s it.
Right, now getting back to the subject – Mr. Mohan, with all due respect, if you have noticed, most of us are not asking each other if we can sing the Anthem without a mistake. And neither are we trying to crucify any one (No pun intended). I would bet another million in favor of Mr. Murthy (not that I have that kind of money).
But, when a person as big as Mr. Murthy (A person who has had a positive impact on our economy) makes such statements, people feel like they are struck by lightning because it is not what you would want him to say on such issues. Now, why would I say that? It is because we adore this man as an achiever and look up to him.
Would I be bothered if a politician makes a statement like the one he did? No. None of us would be.
As small as we are in front of Mr. MURTHY, we wouldn’t have said, "it is embarrassing an outsider if we sung the National Anthem." Would we?
Mr. Sethu – Sir, I am no master of this language. Infact, I am the worst of it's kind that this language has seen. :)
It is not Mr. Murthy’s first interaction with the media. It is an every day thing for him (considering the amount of attention he deserves).
If the foreigners would have been standing (or sitting) as ignorant fools, then so be it. Would it bother me as much as this statement from Mr. Murthy? No.
We are not singing the National Anthem for them…..are we?
Yes, a few of us may feel we are blowing it out of proportion. But it is only a healthy discussion on our BBN thread. Isn’t it?
Regards,
Ritesh
Private Reply to Ritesh | | Apr 13, 2007 6:26 pm | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Joydeep Paul | | Reading this debate prompted me to look at a CNN IBN video of the interview where Naryana Murthy made that comment and I quote from there he said " We wanted the music and not singing as because there were several foreigners there as we might embarras them, as they might have to Keep quiet while all others Sing, and therefore we choose to have the tune instead".
Well I can make one assumption for sure....That Murthy never intented, and never would abuse our National anthem. His point was out of the fact that a small group of people would have to remain quiet and put up a smile while a large group Sings out loud. Weather you want to sing or stand out was your personal choice.
Think about yourself in the middle of a large number of Americans singing out loud where you have to keep up a smile, where someone tones it down for your respect. Thats all that he meant and did. Weather its right or wrong is the Way you look at it.
I dont think he did anything wrong there and I see very unfortunately he is being misunderstood, misquoted and most shamelessly taunted by people who have not bothered to check on the reality of what exactly had transpired him to make that comment. Now as expecteted I read polititians have jumped into the bandwagan of Murthy bashing. It is indeed very very sad.
Private Reply to Joydeep Paul | | Apr 13, 2007 7:31 pm | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bengaloorean Basavanna | | If playing the instrumental version of the national anthem is allowed then Mr.Narayanamurthy has done nothing wrong. Private Reply to Bengaloorean Basavanna | | Apr 14, 2007 4:19 am | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
divya rao | | I notice the outpourings of NRN supporters in this post. One thing Common in all thier posts is to deride, ridicule and question the integrity of people who have expressed thier displeasure against NRN's action and comments about National Flag. Surely this is a great way to help the cause of NRN. Hail NRN.
Infosys which employs people after checking thier antecedents and even marks obtained in school, pre-degree and degree - similar to a pedigree check of dogs and horses, does not have many amongst its employees who can sing the National Anthem. Infosys is a great company and NRN is a great person.
So, NRN is not good at english, he chose the wrong word and why fuss about it. He publicly dislikes his mother tounge Kannada as well and I dont know if he is good at any foreign language either. We still want him to be prez, hide behind mistakes in name of language and continue to make his mistakes. Yes, NRN is a great person and the best India can ever have.
NRN gave employment to some 70 or 80 thousand people. If Infosys did not happen, the IT industry of India would not exist and bangalore would be full of cavemen living in prehistoric age. NRN is a great person and without him IT industry in India is zero. I as a commoner do not have the intelligence to know that Wipro, Sathyam, TCS, PCS, HCL, etc; were dummies and thier contribution to IT or India was insignificant compared to NRN or his company.
If employment for 70-80 thousand people is enough reason to ignore trival things like NRN's insult to National Anthem, then Tata's or Ambanis who have lakhs of employees should have more privilege in this country. Already NRN has assumed the role to advise in public what the ministers or government should do and what they should not do. The country with more than 100 crore people should tolerate the insults of NRN because he is a great man.
Being the a big sweat shop called Infosys - again I am a commoner who does not know how many global software products or IPs and patents this company has created so far, is no small an achievement. Thanks to thier money bags and PR skills, the way they are using the mass media to control the damage and drum up support for NRN is unparallel. Hail Infosys, Hail NRN.
NRN did not support Phanish Murthy when he was in crisis. The blue eyed boy of Infosys was dumped unceremoniously. NRN's public spat with Patni computer services brought a lot of fame and name to IT industry and India as well. NRN is a great man and he can never be wrong.
One last point, if NRN opens his chest to prove his sincere apology, I think one can find his beloved US of A flag fluttering there with pride. If his conscience was clear than his apology in the media would be sincere. Hail NRN.
bye
Divya Rao
Private Reply to divya rao | | Apr 14, 2007 4:59 am | | re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Suresh Tulshyan | | Mark Antony huh???
Well, guys what is the "INSULT" we are talking about... NRN never said he / Infy would be embarassed to sing the National Anthem, he just said the foreigners on board would be embarassed (read uncomfortable). And why wont they be embarassed to see 20 thousand EDUCATED indians and not 20 can recite their own National Anthem. He just chose the best suitable alternative of playing the instrumental version.
1. He DID NOT fiddle with song in any ways (as its done in one of the videos given above)
2. He DID NOT chose to recite the wrong words accepting that he did not know it (as the many politicians in bihar who could not sing the first line when a survey was done)
3. He DID NOT condemn the National Anthem (like many activists who falsely propagte it to be a song written in honour of King George V)
In india patriotism is only confined to Cricket Matches, 26th Jan and 15th Aug and now also to creating useless issues out of nothing.
Private Reply to Suresh Tulshyan | | Apr 14, 2007 5:50 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Alexy Kuriakose | |
It may one of those Re-Defining aspects of The True "CUSTOMER DELIGHT" :)
Alexy Kuriakose
Private Reply to Alexy Kuriakose | | Apr 14, 2007 7:12 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
divya rao | | Suresh,
what you say is the useless issue out of nothing, is the national honour for which millions of our soldiers are willing to give up thier life. Independence of India is for what millions of people fought for.
Let us ignore such useless issues and let NRN and his team do anything for a few DOLLARS MORE.
NRN can do no wrong, he is a great and WISE man. Damned be the 100 crore plus Indians who take pride in being a Indian.
I am no Mark Anthony but likes of NRN can be Brutus for India.
bye
Private Reply to divya rao | | Apr 14, 2007 8:44 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Suresh Tulshyan | | That's precisely my point Divya.."Issue out of nothing".. i dont see any INSULT here.. had he done that, opinions would change.. but as i mentioned in my previous post.. my opinion is not about NRN or Infosys or "CUSTOMER DELIGHT".. its more about rationalism... my question here is are we being rational towards this outcry against NRN...
How many of the "ANTI NRN" gang (infact include the PRO NRN and Neutral gang as well) have seen Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham (K3G as its popularly known as).. there is a sequence where the child sings the National Anthem during his school function.. remember?? now tell me how many of you actually stood up in the theatre to respect the anthem.. and if you did not.. then that's what WE CALL INSULT TO THE ANTHEM... and not what NRN said... aren't we being hypocrites now???
as Joydeep earlier posted the exact words spoken by NRN... could some one illustrate "Where is the Insult"...
And Divya, how far would you go to protect the interest of the National Anthem.. be true :)
The sensational journalism crazy media and power hungry politicians are using this as a means of their progress and we are falling prey to them!! thats a pity...
and as for BRUTUS... Brutus sure was an honourable man (pun intended).. cheers :) Private Reply to Suresh Tulshyan | | Apr 14, 2007 7:14 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bengaloorean Basavanna | | Unpardonable offence by Murthy, says govt, cops say no dishonour.
Bangalore, April 13: While the police have reported that the national anthem wasn’t insulted by Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy, the Karnataka government today called Murthy’s explanation for not singing the anthem, during the April 8 visit to his Mysore campus by President A P J Kalam, an “unpardonable offence.”
Full story here: http://www.indianexpress.com/story/28322.html Private Reply to Bengaloorean Basavanna | | Apr 15, 2007 1:25 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Ritesh | | Hail NRN...!
Divya - That was a good one... :)
Regards,
RiteshPrivate Reply to Ritesh | | Apr 15, 2007 4:09 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Rudy | | Have you ever seen the video where an Old man without a leg stands up in pouring rain when he hears the Anthem. The effect is young boys next to him stand up for the Anthem.
NRN is in a position to influence young minds, when he disgraces the symbols of India, he sets a bad example to a lot of young ones. I still do not understand how it would embarass a few foreigners!!! Will Murthy be embarassed if someone sings the Star spangled banner while he is USA ?? I am sure, he will sing it more enthusiastically ...
For all those who commented about having a look at our Assemblies, I have one question to ask ...Who was responsible for putting those idiots out there ?? We, because some of us are so cynical that we dont even bother to vote. Forget the vote, we dont even try and voice our opinions to those concerned, bcos, we think its beneath us to even raise our voice. And when we raise our voice its only for the wrong issues, not the right one. All we do is blabber on online networks,and consider our job is done !!! It goes beyond that ...
"Behind every great fortune is a crime" BalzacPrivate Reply to Rudy | | Apr 15, 2007 4:10 pm | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Venkat Rao | | Divya, My unalloyed congratuations! I am sorry I did not say the things you said (and so well) inspite of feeling that way. It may be good for you to know that what you said is what at least 80% of Indians feel. Most of them not being vocal about it. Yes, there is perhaps a 20% who dont care or feel differently. And, boy, do they know how to make a noise about it. You should have seen 'The Big Fight' on NDTV (where NRN is on the Board of Directors). The uncontrollable smile on the 'guardian' of all 'privileged', Barka Dutt when someone said things supporting NRN said it all!
:) :)
Private Reply to Venkat Rao | | Apr 16, 2007 4:39 am | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
M M | | Folks,
I was resisting the desire to respond but couldn't. Firstly, NRN has committed a mistake and on hindsight I am sure he would be aware of it. Isin't to err human. No need to crucify him for this mistake. The problem is we expect him to be a superhuman and waiting for a reason to ire our prejudice.
I see so many folks talking passionately about patriotism, but would like to ask a simple question, "When was the last time you sang our national anthem". The reason I am asking this is I am a secretary of an apartment complex of over 500 flats and at all Independence / Republic day flag hoisting, the turnout is a pathetic 8-10 people.
So folks introspect.
Cheers
Mukund Private Reply to M M | | Apr 16, 2007 6:11 am | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bengaloorean Basavanna | | The police have clarified there was no disrespect to the national anthem by playing the instrumental version. So what is Mr.Narayamurthy guilty of ? Probably because he said singing would embrass the foreigners he is guilty of making the foreigners feel comfortable. Is that illegal in our country if there was no disrespect to the national anthem according the rules or protocol ?
This is what Gandhi said about customers:
"A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption on our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider on our business. He is a part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so."
Likewise foreigners & foreign countries have become our important friends & partners in business, in education, in developing our country and they are will be our friends for a very long time in the future.
However you may still think what Mr.Narayanmurthy said was wrong but then it is your opinion against his which he is very much entitled to as all us are equal in law.Private Reply to Bengaloorean Basavanna | | Apr 16, 2007 6:28 am | | National anthem!!! | # |
Jasvinder Singh | | Enough Has been said on the national Anthem and Narayana Murthy. Does any one know that the National Anthem is actually a verse written in praise of a british emperor who ruled India? Hence is it a matter of pride or shame to recite the National Anthem in its present form?
I for one one feel that free India would not desire a National Anthem which is sung in Priase of a British Emperor and which reminds me of the slavery of my forefathers. I would prefer something like Vande Mataram as the National Anthem Of India.Private Reply to Jasvinder Singh | | Apr 16, 2007 6:47 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Sankarlal Shanmugam | | You can't blame NRN since he is in the busines of pleasing those who throw dollars and bashing those who are not.
Pretty understandable, after all he is a simple businessman.
But, many of us think that he is a great chap and want to see him in the President's office.
Think Business, Think Dollars - you may not criticise him.
-SankarlalPrivate Reply to Sankarlal Shanmugam | | Apr 16, 2007 6:52 am | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Sam .. | | Well said Mukund..
And Divya.. very eloquent.. but you missed the point by a mile.. I am not sure if anyone here including me is saying that NRN did the right thing or he has the right to insult the flag. Narayana Murthy allegedly made a statement which was unbecoming of a person of his repute and stature... and that was blown out of proportion by the media and the politician's for their own benefit.. (Interestingly, the newpapers and the politicians have moved to other 'sensational" issues.) Now, what is the whole point in dissecting NRN's behaviour and his attitude when the issue is already done and dusted.. Let the so called patriots cry foul at every instance the flag is insulted or the Anthem is not sung along. There are a million instances in rural india where the flags and banners are used to make "langots" after the netas and the organisers have left the litter behind. Let the so called Patriots raise voices against this gross injustice done to our flag.
Its easy to sit around and bash others coz it doesnt cost a thing while the real patriots are busy building something worthwhile for the nation even if it is a sweatshop. IPs are not the only way to earn a living. Sweatshops are where ideas are born which finally becomes IP.
Like Mukund says "Introspect" and you would know how to forgive and move on in life..
cheers
Sam.
Private Reply to Sam .. | | Apr 16, 2007 8:46 am | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Bikash Kumar Das | | Friends, the immediate attention was places through BBN to make awareness on national unity, integrity,patriotism more.I said me being the son of a British Viceroys most wanted freedom fighter who was decalred then Rs.500 dead or alive for the head and me being a former Military soldier of the country felt shock at Mr Muthys statement.There might be lot many things come up or I know of him.But the issue is buttering FOREIGNERs and doing whole things wrong.As day go on, the statement or thoughts will change as what happens to Indian judiciary for any case trials.While I joined military(Air Force) at the age of 19 yrs only, I served two decades proudly for India.I am still proud being Indian and of the TRICOLOR for what my 91 yrs old father fought-for what British killed thousands and tortured lakhs Indians.
Mr Somasekhar wrote something true.The Ghulami is still going on.
What Mr.Jasvinder wrote is also right.Its in fact Vande Mataram- suposed to be the national anthem.Again here comes the dirty politics of Panditjee(Nehru).Rabindranath Thakur sang for the please of British Kind while on his maiden visit to India at Gateway of India Bombay then.So only the areas covered by British was mentioned in the song.Whatever states name not included was not under British rule- but let the things go as now we cant change the national anthem.
If someone feels only Narayana Murthy is bringing money from america and feeds 7K-80K people- is surely a hopeless statement or ill in nature.Then what abour Tatas or Birlas?What about Bajaj?What about MindTree MD Ashok Soota?They dnt feed anyone?How many know that Ashok Soota is also the son of a Royal Indian Army officer?
Things come of creating patriotism and national unity amongst we Indian.Not about bringing USD by buttering foreigners only to please some politicians or make some more un-healthy techies in India,so that gradually Indian will loose out patriotism and unity!! So sad.None joins Military now a days.All make marathon race for dollars- its only a por villager to join the forces for the sake of motherland!So sad!Narayana Murthys team cant fight for the national security.So at least let his people sing National Anthem with pride.Instrumental is of no need.Better could have been some hired Army or Police band?
I regret for our own peoples mentality- while earning at the mercy of only IT or Narayana Murthy and availing fullest benefit from the country like India.Why,Before IT or Murthy Indian never shined?Neither I am pulling him down nor any personal grievances.But for the sake of nation and to remind all our Indians to stand for the motherland.The only in the world to avail all facilities.
Jai Hind.
Bikash Kumar DasPrivate Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 16, 2007 10:09 am | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # | 
Sonali P | | Now that you've all taken our turns foaming at the mouth and repeatedly going on about how patriotism must be forced on people, can we please put an end to this thread? It's gone on long enough.
If you have an issue with Mr. Murthy's alleged lack of patriotism, please write to him.
For those actually interested in the *law*, the law only says that it's an offence to prevent people from singing the national anthem. NRN has done no such thing. Here's what it officially says:
"Whoever intentionally prevents the singing of the Indian National Anthem or causes disturbances to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both."
Mr. Das's linking of "un-healthy techies" with lost patriotism has to be the biggest leap of logic I have ever seen. He is saddened at the drop in the number of people joining the armed forces, since that is apparently the way to be patriotic. As if wanting to make a living through other means is wrong - a "marathon race for dollars". Which century are you living in, sir? What do you propose? That all young men should have no other occupation other than serve in the forces?
Lastly, please don't continue to propagate the myth that Tagore wrote the national anthem for King George. It has been refuted MANY times.
See: http://homepages.udayton.edu/~chattemr/janaganamana.html and
http://www.sacw.net/DC/CommunalismCollection/ArticlesArchive/pkDatta092004.html
Now please get back to your lives and jobs, people. The fireworks have been nice, but give it a rest. Private Reply to Sonali P | | Apr 16, 2007 10:23 am | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!! | # |
Suresh Tulshyan | | Well Said Sonali
Let this Thread rest in peace.. Amen!! Private Reply to Suresh Tulshyan | | Apr 16, 2007 4:10 pm | | NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!!/God Save Indians! | # |
Bikash Kumar Das | | Sad to get into a bitter conclusion.Although the topic gone much far beyond Murthy issue, it is regretted deeply for talking against patriotism or the countries youth joining the prestigiuos Armed Forces.I thought of keeping away- but since the attack come from a different agle, I need to reply.
1.Ms Sonali- please correct your languages while talking about patriotism and compromise to country like India, you being an Indian.
2.Please remove someones photo from your profile and fill all coloumns as we did.You have a incomplete and in adequate,unsocial profile being with ryze.This itself indicate your poor mentality.
3.My profile says I belong to 18 century- please read again.For like us patriotic soldiers yesterday, you are enjoying your today-dnt forget that.I cant betray my country.At the age of 44 I am more strong than any young.
4.Please visit all the hospitals and see who are the patients coming to us /there!All belongs to IT/BPO and so hospital industry is growing more and more..Before IT, we never saw a young man/girl of 20-25 coming for Low Back Ache,Prolapse Disc,RSI or fractures in simple injuries.WE kow these injuries was only limited to parajumpers,fighter pilots- who have to eject from the sky.Even we never come across with a tractor driver having LBA or so.Mind it- this is the IT life style what working/food/drink living habits made all.Talking is easy- doing is hard.Forget about singing national anthem, 10 out of 5000 could hardly run 100 mtr!!!How many walks?
We treat people with severe muscle spasm all because he or she failed to get an Volvo bus to Chennai/Hyderabad and had to board n ordinary deluxe bus???I wonder, how may months ago the Volvos came??Most frequently your IT dynamic ask- How many years we will live?45?All medics come across with this.
5.For the Rabindra Nath Tagore issue, please dnt take your own thoughts.Meet man like my father and ask them.Dnt go simply by net or google...(Remember the US flag flying in the moon, which dnt have air nor force of gravity!!!)Ask the people who are still alive.But I said this was not the right place to talk.
Finally concluding the issue, I request to amend your profile or delete.This was not the right place to attack me or somebody with different angle here.Go back and rad aout Indias fight for freedom since Mughal period.Go to some good library and read.Thanks for being anti Indian- more than Mr NRM.
God bless you.
Thanks to all who shared my topic with broad thoughts keeping our nationality.( My sincere apology Mr.Tarun,I am an warrior, left far off Mangolia much before Chenghiz Kha was born.I couldnot bear the Infosys issue.I am not anti IT- but the Indian health and life are more important to me.)
Jai Hind.
Bikash Kumar Das
Private Reply to Bikash Kumar Das | | Apr 16, 2007 5:37 pm | | re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!!/God Save Indians! | # |
Ritesh | | Sonali and Suresh - The threads are meant to discuss and allow people to put across their views.
Criticism is welcome but not Sarcasm.
I would suggest and appreciate if you could kindly think twice before hurting an individual's sentiment on the network.
Let us not get down "bashing" at each other instead.
Thank you.
Ritesh
Private Reply to Ritesh | | May 15, 2007 11:17 am | | re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!!/God Save Indians! | # | 
Rajesh C | | Hi Guys,
This thread was long dead and my intention is not to re-create the dead one. I just wanted to share a very important peice of information which I think most of us were ignorant about till now.... I received this mail today from a collegue......read on.....
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 4:33 PM
Subject: Fw: Just a thought for the National Anthem!
hi
Just a thought about our National Anthem!
How well do u know about it? I have always wondered who is the "adhinayak" and "bharat bhagya vidhata", whose praise we are singing. I thought may be God! Our current National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana" is sung throughout the country. Did you know the national anthem,
Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, was written by Rabindranath Tagore in honor of King George V and the Queen of England when they visited India in 1919. To honor their visit Pundit Motilal Nehru had the five stanzas included, which are in praise of the King and Queen.(And most of us think it is in the praise of our great motherland!!!)
In the original Bengali verses only those provinces that were under British rule, i.e. Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat,Maratha .. etc. were
mentioned. None of the princely states were recognized which are integral parts of India now Kashmir,Rajasthan, Andhra, Mysore or Kerala. Neither the Indian ocean nor the Arabian Sea were included, since they were directly under Portuguese rule at that time.
The Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka implies that King George V is the lord of the masses and Bharata Bhagya Vidhata is "the bestower of good fortune".
Following is a translation of the five stanzas which glorify the King:
1st stanza - (Indian) People wake up remembering your good name and ask for your blessings and they sing your glories.
2nd stanza - Around your throne people of all religions come and give their love and anxiously wait to hear your kind words.
3rd stanza - Praise to the King for being the charioteer, for leading the ancient travelers beyond misery.
4th stanza - Drowned in the deep ignorance and suffering, poverty stricken, unconscious country? Waiting for the wink of your eye and your mother's
(the Queen's) true protection.
5th stanza - In your compassionate plans, the sleeping Bharat (India) will wake up. We bow down to your feet O' Queen, and glory to Rajeshwara (the king).
This whole poem does not indicate any love for the Motherland but depicts a bleak picture. When you sing Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, whom are you
glorifying? Certainly not the Motherland. Is it God? The poem does not indicate that.
It is time now to understand the original purpose and the implication of this, rather than blindly sing as has been done the past fifty years. Nehru chose the
present national anthem as opposed to Vande Mataram because he thought that it would be easier for the band to play. It was an absurd reason but
Today for that matter bands have advanced and they can very well play any music. So they can as well play Vande Mataram, which is a far better composition in praise of our dear Motherland -India.
Rgds...
Private Reply to Rajesh C | | May 15, 2007 11:49 am | | re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!!/God Save Indians! | # |
Siddhartha Deb | | Rajesh...it would help if u and ur colleague read up history properly before venturing to comment on the National Anthem and that too in a public forum. Tagore in his lifetime had explained th true meaning of the words used in National Anthem.
Read the following...
"The belief gained ground that the poem had been written in honour of the visiting monarch. Others aver that the newspaper reports cited above were misguided, the confusion arising since a different song, written in Hindi by Rambhuj Chaudhary, was sung on the same occasion in praise of the monarch. However, the two poems were written in different languages; Tagore already enjoyed much fame in India, and newspaper reports are both consistent and categorical on the point of Tagore having himself sung his composition on the occasion.
Other explanations for the motivations that informed the creation of the poem have been proposed. On a visit to India, the poet Yeats received a visit from an Indian admirer who was also, in Yeats' words, "an Indian devotee" of Tagore. In a letter to a lady friend, Yeats quoted this unnamed devotee as giving him a 'strictly off the records' version of events dealing with the writing of Jana Gana Mana. That version, as presented in 1968 by the Indian Express newspaper, was this:
"He (Tagore) got up very early in the morning and wrote a very beautiful poem.... When he came down, he said to one of us, 'Here is a poem which I have written. It is addressed to God, but give it to Congress people. It will please them."
Thus, Tagore is said to have written the poem in honour of God. In a letter to Pulin Behari Sen, Tagore himself wrote:
"A certain high official in His Majesty's service, who was also my friend, had requested that I write a song of felicitation towards the Emperor. The request simply amazed me. It caused a great stir in my heart. In response to that great mental turmoil, I pronounced the victory in Jana Gana Mana of that Bhagya Vidhata [ed. God of Destiny] of India who has from age after age held steadfast the reins of India's chariot through rise and fall, through the straight path and the curved. That Lord of Destiny, that Reader of the Collective Mind of India, that Perennial Guide, could never be George V, George VI, or any other George. Even my official friend understood this about the song. After all, even if his admiration for the crown was excessive, he was not lacking in simple common sense."
In 2005, there were calls to delete the word "Sindh" and substitute it with the word Kashmir. The argument was that Sindh was no longer a part of India, having become part of Pakistan as a result of the Partition of 1947. Opponents of this proposal hold that the word "Sindh" refers to the Indus and to Sindhi culture and people which are an integral part of India's cultural fabric. The Supreme Court of India refused to tamper with the national anthem and the wording remains unchanged."
There has been enough research on the National Anthem and it has stood the test of time and misinformation. To even imagine that the same Tagore who had renounced his knighthood in 1919 to protest against the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre, would have composed euolgies for the monarchy, is a poor joke at best and insulting his eminence in Indian history at worst.
sid
Private Reply to Siddhartha Deb | | May 15, 2007 2:20 pm | | re: re: re: re: NRN>Foreigners< National anthem!!!/God Save Indians! | # |
Rajesh C | | Thanks Sid, Private Reply to Rajesh C | | |
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