National anthems serve as powerful symbols of national identity, expressing the values, struggles, and pride of a country through music and lyrics. The first public performance of a national anthem often marks a significant moment in a nation’s history. In the case of India, the song that became the national anthem was originally written as a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. Known as Jana Gana Mana, it has grown into a defining expression of India’s unity in diversity. Understanding who first sang the national anthem and the historical context behind it helps deepen the appreciation for its enduring cultural and patriotic importance.
Origin of Jana Gana Mana
The national anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana, was composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911. The poem was originally titled Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata, which means Dispenser of India’s destiny. Although it was written decades before independence, the song captured a vision of India that was united beyond regional, linguistic, and religious differences. The lyrics emphasize the collective soul of the nation, making it suitable as a national anthem once the country gained freedom.
Rabindranath Tagore: The Poet and Composer
Rabindranath Tagore was a Nobel laureate in literature and one of the most influential literary figures in Indian history. He wrote the poem in highly Sanskritized Bengali, making it resonate across linguistic regions. He also set it to music himself, creating a composition that was solemn, stately, and appropriate for ceremonial occasions. His vision for India was one of harmony and unity, which is reflected in both the lyrics and the musical structure of the anthem.
The First Public Performance
The first known public performance of Jana Gana Mana took place on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta (now Kolkata) session of the Indian National Congress. The song was sung during the second day of the annual session, just after the British monarch George V was proclaimed as the Emperor of India. This timing later led to misunderstandings about the intent of the song, but historical evidence shows that Tagore wrote it to praise the divine guide of India’s future, not any political ruler.
Who First Sang the Anthem?
The person credited with the first singing of Jana Gana Mana is Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, a well-known social reformer and close associate of Tagore. She led a group of schoolchildren in singing the hymn at the Indian National Congress session. Sarala Devi, being Tagore’s niece, was deeply involved in the cultural and nationalist movements of the time. Her performance marked the first formal presentation of the anthem to a wide audience, and it immediately resonated with those who heard it.
The Journey from Song to Anthem
Although Jana Gana Mana was first sung in 1911, it was not immediately adopted as the national anthem. India gained independence in 1947, and the search for a suitable national anthem was underway. On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the first stanza of Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem. It was chosen because of its inclusive language and universal appeal across the many cultures and communities of India.
Why Jana Gana Mana Was Chosen
Several factors led to the choice of Jana Gana Mana over other songs like Vande Mataram. While Vande Mataram held immense patriotic value, it was considered by some to be more regionally rooted and less inclusive in tone. Jana Gana Mana, on the other hand, referenced the entire nation without favoring any region or group. It also possessed a majestic musical quality that made it suitable for official use and public performance.
Legacy of the First Performance
The first singing of the national anthem in 1911 marked the beginning of a long journey toward nationhood. That moment captured the spirit of a country that was not yet free but already dreaming of unity and self-determination. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani’s role in the first performance is a testament to how individuals outside the formal political structure contributed to the shaping of national identity.
Important Contributions of Sarala Devi
- She was an early feminist and nationalist figure in India.
- She promoted Indian culture and education, especially for women.
- Her involvement in singing the anthem highlighted women’s roles in the freedom struggle.
Modern Recognition and Commemoration
Today, Jana Gana Mana is sung at schools, government functions, and sporting events across India. The first public performance is remembered as a historic and cultural milestone. While most Indians are familiar with the lyrics and melody, fewer may know the story behind its first performance and the people involved. Recognizing Sarala Devi and Rabindranath Tagore’s contributions helps keep this important legacy alive.
Performance Etiquette and National Respect
The national anthem is to be sung in approximately 52 seconds, and citizens are expected to stand in respect when it is played. This formal protocol reflects the anthem’s symbolic role as a representation of the country’s unity, history, and sovereignty. The anthem serves not only as a musical composition but also as a daily reminder of the values that guide the nation.
The first person to sing India’s national anthem in public was Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, a pioneering reformer and cultural activist. Her performance of Jana Gana Mana at the 1911 Indian National Congress session gave voice to the poetic and patriotic vision of Rabindranath Tagore. Over time, the song transitioned from a poem to a symbol of national pride, finally becoming the official anthem in 1950. Remembering the origins and first performance of Jana Gana Mana offers insight into India’s cultural and historical journey toward independence and unity. It also honors the individuals who played key roles in shaping the anthem’s legacy for future generations.