‘So proud of him’: US teenager sings Indian National Anthem, heartwarming video wins hearts

The viral video shows the teenager performing the anthem with enthusiasm, careful about his pronunciation.

The viral video, shared by an Indian living in the US, shows 17-year-old Gabe Merritt passionately singing "Jana Gana Mana" (Image source: @dishakpansuriya/Instagram)

An American teenager’s soulful rendition of the Indian National Anthem has struck a chord on the Internet. The viral video, shared by an Indian living in the United States, shows Gabe Merritt, 17, passionately singing Jana Gana Mana.

“Oh my god! My heart just smiled through this,” Disha Pansuriya, who shared the video, wrote in the caption. She revealed that Merritt has learned the national anthems of several countries, but holds a special fondness for India’s.

“He is just amazing, he knows mostly every country’s national anthem, but @india is his favorite! I pray and wish he goes places with his exceptional talent!!” she added.

Story continues below this ad

The viral video begins with Merritt seated on a chair. The text on the video read, “You feel proud when a 17-year-old American sings the Indian National Anthem.” It then shows him singing the anthem with enthusiasm, careful about his pronunciation.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disha pansuriya (@dishakpansuriya)

Also Read | ‘Playing asleep saved life it seems’: Masked thieves rob home, one stands over sleeping owner with iron rod in MP

The video garnered an array of reactions, hailing the teen’s performance. “Wonderful dear very sharp mind to learn Indian national anthem,” a user wrote. “Beautiful brother. lots of love from me and india and I invite you to come to India and visit the beautiful country,” another user commented.

“Once visit India wit him…he will live life of 100 countries….in our country…and will love it,” a third user reacted. “Love from India. God bless him with all the love,” a fourth user said.

Originally penned in Bangla by Rabindranath Tagore, Jana Gana Mana was adopted as India’s National Anthem on January 24, 1950. While Tagore’s original composition is longer, only the first stanza’s words and music are recognised as the anthem.

The full version lasts about 52 seconds, while on certain occasions, a shorter rendition lasting around 20 seconds is used.

In the video aired on regional news channels, Pawar purportedly speaks to Anjana Krishna, sub-divisional police officer, Karmala, from the phone of an NCP worker. (Express Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

‘I’ll video call you’: Video of Ajit Pawar ‘rebuking’ woman IPS officer goes viral

Cities6 hr ago

NCP denies Ajit Pawar's involvement in stopping an IPS officer from taking action against illegal excavation in Solapur district. Party clarifies that Pawar was trying to calm party workers, not support illegal activity. AAP criticizes misuse of power and questions the need for ministers to have officers of their choice in certain areas. Video shows officer not recognizing Pawar's voice.

View all shorts

Live Blog