Jana Gana Mana was formally adopted as India’s national anthem in 1950. It was composed by Rabindranath Tagore on 11 December 1911 and was first sung later in the month on 28th December at the Calcutta session of Congress. Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, which was loosely translated as the leader of people’s minds by Amartya Sen was alleged to have been composed for a durbar in Delhi where George V was proclaimed Emperor of India. This controversy really pained me a lot...but the latest decision of our Supreme court that there is no need to stand when National Anthem plays in theatres to prove patriotism, pained me much more. Everybody knows that Jana Gana Mana is among the most stirring of anthems, I am not a BJP supporter but would definitely say that bringing back the practice of playing the National Anthem in movie theatres was the best thing they did. Let us respect our National anthem by standing up whenever and wherever it is played unless we are handicapped. Milord, let us stand up please and respect our national anthem with utmost dignity and reverence. Col Pendyala Pradeep, Anaesthesiologist.
Army teaches you to be physically and mentally alert at all times. Yes, I have worked in Indian Army for 33 years. Army has taught me to be more disciplined and being able to react quickly. My fitness and discipline are directly proportional to my army training in the Army Medical Corps. One thing, I have definitely learnt in my army training...."Failure is not an option "...we are trained again and again till we get it right. Moreover, we are also taught to be second to none and yes, in war, there are no second prizes, ain't it ? Learning self-discipline in army is to follow the rules without supervision ! I think, discipline is the infrastructure of not only every officer of the Indian Army but of any progressive society....similar to Swachch Bharat. And yes, to be fit and disciplined like an army officer, you may have to work like one, there is no second option. Don't skip your workout, don't cheat on your diet and have adequate sleep...to be fit and disciplined like an Indian Soldier. Col Pendyala Pradeep, Anaesthesiologist.
