On India Day, National Anthem Overlooked in US

By Lalit K Jha

India's National Anthem ''Jana Gana Mana'' was stopped from playing three times at the Indian consulate in New York by the organizers of the India Day Parade-the annual flagship event of the Indian American community in the United States of America.

This was done so that the US national song could be played first, instead of ''Jana Gana Mana''. As per convention, since the premises of Indian Consulate is considered to be just like an Indian territory the Indian national anthem is played first followed by US national song.

But the organizers of the Indian Day Parade, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) wanted to have the other way round this time.

The occasion was to kick-off the India Day Parade in the New York City on August 17, wherein it was announced that the latest Bollywood star, Deepika Padukone, would be the grand marshal of the parade.

Traditionally the kick-off function is held at the Indian Consulate as a gesture from the Indian Government and its support to the mega event of the Indian American community held in New York every year to celebrate India's independence.

It all started at the beginning of the function when a senior FIA official requested all the invitees to stand up for the national anthem. As per convention, the ''Jana Gana Mana'' started playing on the acoustic system. The FIA official who was anchoring the show immediately shouted. ''Stop it. (Play the) US national song first.''

It was stopped immediately, at the end of the first line of ''Jana Gana Mana adhinyaka jaya h.'' As the individual handling the music system tried to play the US national song, she pushed the wrong button and Indian national anthem started playing for the second time. Again came the loud voice from organizers C ''stop! Stop. Play the US national song.''

India's national anthem was stopped again. But as the individual handling the music system became nervous, she pressed the wrong button again. This time there was more than one voice from FIA officials to stop ''Jana Gana Mana''. One of the FIA officials rushed to the back of the hall where all the music systems were placed on makeshift tables. This time it was made sure that the US national song was given preference, following which ''Jana Gana Mana'' was played.

An infuriated Consul General of India, New York Consulate, Neelam Deo, who was sitting quietly all this while in the front row preferred not to create an ugly scene at the spur of the moment.

However, soon after as both the national songs were over, Deo raised strong objection about this major insulting lapse on India's national anthem with organizers. Deo was seen telling the FIA president, Yash Paul Soi, that such an insulting attitude towards India's national anthem could not be tolerated.

It is the Indian Consulate which provides all its support to the community and India Day Parade.

Source:NDTV