Why Nehru picked 'Jana Gana Mana' as India's anthem
Ever wondered why India's national anthem isn't Vande Mataram?
Newly digitized Nehru Archives reveal that in 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru recommended Jana Gana Mana because it worked better for official events and had strong support from leaders across the country.
What made 'Jana Gana Mana' stand out?
Nehru reached out to provincial Governors, and almost everyone was in favor of Jana Gana Mana.
He wanted an anthem that sounded great with orchestras and military bands, both at home and abroad.
The song had already wowed foreign delegates at a UN event in 1947. It produced a sensation and was praised by foreign delegates as one of the finest national anthems they had heard.
Why not 'Vande Mataram?'
Nehru felt Vande Mataram's tune was "plaintive, mournful, and repetitive," not really fit for big public performances.
He also pointed out that its language was tough to understand—even admitting he struggled with it himself.
So while Vande Mataram stayed as a beloved national song, Jana Gana Mana became the official anthem after the Constituent Assembly made its decision.