It’s a shame that some Indians need to be told to love the National Anthem: Javed Akhtar

Poet, writer and thinker, Javed Akhtar never minces words. Taking time off from his hectic schedule Javed reacted to the question of the National Anthem being played at cinema theatres with clarity and candour. “I don’t understand why we’ve come to such a state where people need to be told to stand up for the National Anthem. It’s like being prompted to love and respect our mother. 

The very idea of being told to love our mother or our country is anomalous. The relationship between an individual and his country is as organic, natural and spontaneous as the one we share with our mother. ”

He sees the erosion of genuine nationalism as a sign of our times. “When we were in school or college, we never needed to be told to stand for the National Anthem. The minute Jana Gana Mana played, our hearts would simply brim over with patriotic pride. If you see the Olympics, where sportspersons from various countries gather, they all stand in rapt reverent silence listening to the national anthem of their country.

This is the power and strength of the National Anthem.” In his formative years, Javed remembers the National Anthem being a part of his subconscious. “​Today some Indians need to be told to love it. It’s a shame. I think children need to be educated on the history of India’s independence movement. A  better connectivity with the sacrifices of those national leaders who gave shape to our nation would help the younger generations understand why the National Anthem is so close to our heart.”