The meaning of true patriotism has changed over the years. We have probably started taking it for granted, like many other blessings. Independence Day brings fond memories of yesteryears, where it meant listening to patriotic songs throughout the day on the radio. It also meant savoring the boondi laddoos that mummy and papa used to bring back as a prasad after flag hoisting in their organizations. It was sheer bliss that we got out of minuscule things in life.

Music has always been an integral part of our household, and of our small city, Roorkee. If we rode our bike from school to our home, at times, we could literally enjoy a complete song since the same song was playing on the radio in all the houses we rode by.

Coming back to the relevance of songs in the still reverberating feelings of patriotism in our hearts, I share with you five of my most favorite ones that make me lose the sense of time and relive the same feelings that I felt years ago. This is a mixed bag of old and new songs, each worth mentioning. There are several other musical gems, but just covering the top five for the time being. Please also share your favorite patriotic songs that you relate to. Enjoy Independence Day with these Bollywood beauties.

1. AE MERE PYAARE WATAN

Movie: Kabuliwala

Music Director: Salil Chowdhary

Singer: Manna Dey

This song can move me to tears every time I hear it. It invokes the feeling of true love for the country, especially if you are living away from it. The connection always remains, no matter how many years since you visit your motherland. The lyricist compares the motherland to a mother and a child in the verse, “Maan ka dil ban ke kabhi seene se lag jaataa hai tu. Aur kabhi nanhi si beti ban ke yaad aataa hai tu.” Meaning: Sometimes, you comfort me like a mother. At other times, I miss you, as I miss my child. Enjoy the complete rendition on YouTube.

2. Song: Hai Preet jahaan ki Reet Sadaa

Movie: Purab aur Pashchim

Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji

Singer: Mahendra Kapoor

This song never fails to remind me of the true capabilities of our own countrymen that we have forgotten. My favorite line from the song “Duniya ko tab ginti aayi, jab zero diyaa mere bharat ne“. Meaning: The entire world learned to count after India gave the number “zero”. It feels so proud to belong to a country that is an intellectual and a spiritual masterpiece. Enjoy this song.

3. Song: AE WATAN WATAN MERE

Movie: Raazi

Music Director: Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy

Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan

A beautiful and meaningful rendition portraying the connection to the motherland, no matter where life takes you. My favorite verse “Lab pe aati hai duaa banke tamanna meri, zindagi shamma ki surat ho khudaayaa meri” Meaning: I pray to the almighty that I live my life like a speck of light whose core purpose is to light up the lives of others. If all of us can live in even one moment of selflessness each day, the entire world would be a much better place to live. Enjoy the song.

4. Song: TERI MITTI VICH MIL JAAVAN

Movie: Kesari

Singer: B Praak

Music Director: Arko Pravo Mukherjee

This song always reminds me of the innumerable sacrifices that go into ensuring that we breathe in an independent country. It also talks about multiple times our armed forces have shielded us and given up their lives to protect us. It makes my head bow down in gratitude. My favorite line: “Ae meri zameen mehboob meri, teri nas nas mein meraa ishq bahe. Pheeka na pade kabhi rang tera, jismon se nikal kar khoon kahe”. Meaning: My love for the motherland flows like blood in my body. Even when the blood oozes out of this body, it is for protecting the motherland.

5. Song: Challa

Movie: Uri

Singer:

Music Director:

The song fills me with a deep sense of motivation to be true to any work that I do. In addition, it induces undying respect and gratitude towards our security forces who work selflessly with such dedication and passion towards the country. The whole song is motivational. It is difficult to pick just one verse that connects. Enjoy the song.

Wish You all a very Happy Independence Day. Stay safe. Stay blessed.