Songs of freedom – The Hindu

Think of a patriotic number and we all get nostalgic and start singing our favourite number. While some get goosebumps listening to a patriotic song, others cherish and celebrate its spirit in their own unique way. But no one can deny the power of a song which has the potential to bring people together forgetting all differences. One such get-together will be held on Tuesday to celebrate the 70th Independence Day. This special performance is by the students of Swara Bharati Institute and will be held at Shilparamam. This two-year-old music school that teaches only classical music wanted to do something different for the special occasion. The faculty and students were inspired and excited to do something, points out the schools founder Srinivas Gadepalli. The institute premises turned into a hub of enthusiasm as around 30 students from vocal, guitar and keyboard streams have been practising for a fortnight. While rehearsing, the students tried to understand the meaning of its words, which was worth the effort,states Srinivas.

On Sunday, Lamakaan played host to a patriotic songs workshop organised by sisters Sushma and Soumya of Aarohi Music Academy. Sushma says the workshop evoked an enthusiastic response from the group comprising children and adults. The first section of the workshop involved singing Maitrim bhajatam akhila hrudayatri... written by Shankarcharya of Sringeri Mutt. Revealing the reason behind choosing the song, Sushma states, This song was sung by MS Subbulakshmi in the UN; this number is about humanity and harmony in general. We live in a global village and so it is a good time to recollect it because even if we love our own country, we can only be happy when the rest of the world is happy, shares Sushma adding, It felt emotional and at one point of time, all of us had goosebumps.

The remaining part of the workshop at Lamakaan saw the participants writing their own patriotic songs. One member was moved by an incident and she wrote, If you are confused to be an Indian, try to be a good human being. She also observes how songs make a big impact. Even when our freedom fighters had time to write songs, because they knew a song has the potential to move. When we listen to the song Kadam kadam badaaye jaa, one feels inspired. We feel thankful and grateful for the Independence; songs remind us of the sentiments, she adds.

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, radio stations try to create a mood by airing inspiring numbers. Sushma reveals their songs will be played on Big FM station. Because these are old songs, we have contrasted the sounds with guitar. Some of the numbers that we have sung include Swatantra bharati janani, Gagana veedhi choodara and Vaishnava jana to...

Lyricist Chandrabose sings Bharata maataku jai jailu, bangaru bhoomi ki jai jailu and Paadavoi bharateeyuda aadi paadi voi.... when asked about his favourite patriotic numbers. These two songs are unforgettable and forever in my heart, he shares. Recollecting a song he wrote for the movie Jhummandi Naadam, he reveals his inspiration were the lines Desham ante matti kaadoi, deshamante manushuloi written by Gurajada Appa Rao. I wrote according to the situation present in the modern society, he recalls. When the audience listens to a patriotic number in a movie, one becomes overwhelmed and highly inspired. A song has the potential to go directly into a listeners heart and cements its position there.

Today as we celebrate our Independence Day, do not forget to sing your favourite patriotic number. On that note, Happy 70th Independence Day!

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Songs of freedom - The Hindu