SHILLONG, March 7: Veteran United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and former Assembly Speaker, Bindo M Lanong, has proposed a new prescription to the national anthem of India subject to local public acceptance or otherwise the central government authorities to consider.
Lauding the contributions of great Nobel prized poet Rabindranath Tagore, who composed the meaningful national anthem, Lanong said, “It may not be unpalatable to suggest some relevant amendments in the anthem to suit the local sentiments of our countrymen in various states today to accommodate their historical sites also, where they can mention with pride the names of their waterfalls, hills and rivers attached with fascinating legends, apart from singing aloft only those belonging to others”. “This will, however, confine only within their respective states, whereas for all other national programmes, whether in the national capital or elsewhere, the national anthem shall always take precedence,” Lanong added.
The UDP leader suggested that amendments be made to para 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the national anthem for Meghalaya by replacing some phrases with “Meghalaya-India, Garo-Khasi-Jaintia, Ranikor-Simsang Umngot-Umiam, Balpakram Sohpetbneng Lum Shyllong, Tiniang-a, Khublei ia phi waroh, mathila, Ia ka nam jong ki kyntiew sha me”, and continuing it with “tava shubha aashisha maage”.
“Recently, in one small local function in Shillong, the national anthem with the above new version was rehearsed to the applause and appreciation of all those present,” he claimed.
Stating that national heroes including Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Bose, to recall a few, have laboured selflessly and created a niche in history, creating the biggest democratic country in the world, he said, “We stand together today as a proud nation because of the legacy we enjoy, left behind by them”.
“In our small state of Meghalaya in North-East India, we also venerate our own national heroes — U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nongbah and U Pa Togan Sangma — who fought the Britishers for their beloved land and people,” he added.
Recalling that Meghalaya was acceded to India by signing an Instrument of Accession in 1947-48, he said, “Thus, India emerged as a vibrant democratic nation at the centre, with the strong federal structure in the states”.
“The people of India, time and again, have sworn and continue to live by the principles enshrined in our Constitution and will stand to defend our freedom and our rights from any invasion,” he added.