Classic in my Head

My first few memories of the song are of it being sung on Independence Day and Republic Day in my school. However unconsciously,it seems that I have always known this one and understood it.

Lyrics-wise,I don’t think anybody could have written it better than the legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi himself,whose poetry has always inspired my own songs. His poetry gives an intellectual element to a simple prayer song,so it becomes universal,rousing people from their smugness and slumber with lines like Sabko sanmati de bhagwan. If the first stanza is a gem,the second one surpasses all boundaries of depth of poetry. The words O saare jag ke rakhwale,nirbal ko bal dene wale,balwano ko de do gyan take you to a completely different level. There is meter,there is melody,there is meaning and there is depth; it is a satire on war-mongering powers and the morons who know nothing but killing each other.

Another high point is the song’s instrumental arrangement and composition. Composed by the largely unsung music director Jaidev,there is an addictive fragrance about the song that has sprinkles of so many ragas in it. My eyes well up so many times while listening to it.

Sonu Nigam is another singer who sings this beautifully. Whenever I meet him,I sit down with a few of my friends just to hear him sing it.

This song is a fine example of an intense and universal prayer that always allows me to recollect my emotions and feel for the nation. The notes of this iconic number linger in my conscience and in me. Always.

As Told By Swanand Kirkire