The anthem for India has a more pious feel to it. It seems as if it is all about giving praise to some kind of Gods. It doesn't describe much about India itself or its values. The Bengali national anthem on the other hand is very detailed in its description of Bangladesh and everything that its land has to offer. It paints a very fruitful (no pun intended) and vivid picture of Bangladesh.
Ukraine National Anthem
Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor has her freedom
Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.
CHORUS x2
We'll lay down our souls and bodies for our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack family.
United States Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In the both the anthems of Ukraine and the United States it seems as if the two countries were involved in a great struggle at the time their anthems were written. After further research I had discovered that Ukraine was indeed involved in a struggle for its independence against the Bolsheviks during the Bolshevik Revolution. Ukraine tried to remain an independent state, but to no avail. As a result this anthem was banned under the Soviet regime. Both anthems seem very optimistic during their struggle. This can be seen in the United States anthem where it states that despite the bombardment and the rockets their flag emerged erect, signifying that they have not lost. The optimism can likewise be seen in Ukraine's anthem where they sing about how their glory and freedom have not yet perished. In the line "fate shall smile once more" it looks as if Ukraine seems very optimistic and hopeful towards the future. Both anthems carry with it lots of patriotism which is essential during a time of war, as is evident with the history of these nations and the time when these pieces were written.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Russian Federation vs USSR
Although it may seem to be same country, Soviet Union and Russian Federation are two different countries to me. It can be clearly seen in the differences of their anthems. The national anthem of Soviet Union makes a considerable push toward communism and the importance of Lenin in teaching and leading Russian people. People in today’s world see communism as something evil and as something that is predestined to fail as a political structure. But if communism would be looked at on its own, I think there is nothing bad with such management. It was just proven that it did not particularly work for Soviet Union. Anthem of Soviet Union talks about the union of the republics since USSR valued the territory and the different ethnicities it had. After fall of the Soviet Union, there was not much said in the national anthem about “other” pieces of the country since most got disconnected to their own countries.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
Haiti and Venezuela National Anthem
Tagore National anthem for both India and Bangladesh that are two countries from the same continent are actually different. In Bangladesh Anthem, the author focuses more on the nature of this country talking about the season; it shows the beauty of the country. Also, love and beauty are very expressed in this Anthem. However, India’s Anthem, on the other hand it is the contrary; nature is used as a key to Victory which is the main point of this Anthem.
Haiti National Anthem
For our country,
For our forefathers,
United let us march.
Let there be no traitors in our ranks!
Let us be masters of our soil.
United let us march
For our country,
For our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country
Let us toil joyfully.
May the fields be fertile
And our souls take courage.
Let us toil joyfully
For our forebears,
For our country.
For our country
And for our forefathers,
Let us train our sons.
Free, strong, and prosperous,
We shall always be as brothers.
Let us train our sons
For our country
And for our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country,
Oh God of the valiant!
Take our rights and our life
Under your infinite protection,
Oh God of the valiant!
For our forebears,
For our country.
For the flag,
For our country
To die is a fine thing!
Our past cries out to us:
Have a disciplined soul!
To die is a fine thing,
For the flag,
For our country.
Venezuela National Anthem
Glory to the brave nation
Which shook off the yoke,
Respecting law, virtue, and honour.
(repeat chorus)
"Off with the chains! Off with the chains!"
Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,
And the poor man in his hovel
Implored freedom.
At this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
At this holy name, at this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
(repeat)
CHORUS
Let's cry out aloud, let's cry out aloud:
Down with oppression! Down with oppression!
Faithful countrymen, your strength
Lies in your unity;
And from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
And from the heavens, and from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
United by bonds, united by bonds,
Made by heaven, made by heaven,
All America exists
As a Nation;
And if tyranny
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
And if tyranny, and if tyranny,
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
Both of these national Anthem have something in common which is Freedom. They both are war-based; however they approach it differently. Haiti Anthem proves a patriotic part. They wanted Union and solidarity within the soldiers and the country as a whole “United let us march, Let there be no traitors in our ranks”. Nature was mentioned to be fertile in order to give them courage. They’re very proud and not of afraid to die for the Flag and the country “For the flag, For our country To die is a fine thing!” They wanted to be an example for the generation to come and be as strong and patriot as they were “They Let us train our sons. Free, strong, and prosperous” Unity is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. Haiti National Anthem is called “La Dessalinienne” which honors the founder of Haiti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The anthem was selected as a result of a competition in 1903, the winning selection was adopted on the juncture of Haiti's centennial, January 1, 1904. Haiti National Anthem has two versions the french and creole version because they're the two native languages spoken. I believe that this anthem truly represents Haiti..
Venezuela National Anthem shows that it’s swollen with pride because it starts with “Glory to the brave nation”. Faith played a big role in getting their independence "Off with the chains! Off with the chains!" Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,”. They see themselves as a role model to other countries fighting for their freedom “And if tyranny Raises its voice, Follow the example Given by Caracas”. I believe that GOD is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. The anthem was composed by Vicente Salias and later the music was recreated by Juan José Landaeta and finally it came to be adopted on 1881. It was in May 25, 1881 that Antonio Guzman Blanco, who was the then President of the country, passed a declaration whereby this song was officially accepted as the National anthem of Venezuela. The title of the Anthem is “Glory to the brave nation”. I believe that this anthem represents Venezuela.
Monday, November 9, 2009
United States National Anthem from the Modern Perspective
I think that the United States perfectly represent the our culture today in modern times. We currently live in an age wher we are fighting two wars and or overall national moral is low. Our country has gone through hardships and sacrifices over the past eight years since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and as the national anthem states even after the wars and the attacks our fly is still here flying high and proud and the symbolic representation of our freedom and our bravery as a nation who will noy submit to terrorist or stand for injustice in the world.
Iceland and United States national anthem
ICELAND-Our country's God! Our country's God!We worship Thy name in its wonder sublime.The suns of the heavens are set in Thy crownBy Thy legions, the ages of time!With Thee is each day as a thousand years,Each thousand of years, but a day,Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away; Iceland's thousand years!, ;:Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
Freedom and the main purpose in life!
Argentina
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Two Divergent Anthems
Many countries in our modern world have implemented national anthems that portray and represent their countries as a whole. Unlike the United States of America, Ukraine has a national anthem that does not encourage the same aspects of life. Thus, I am considering these two national anthems as opposites. Ukraine is a country that had a long and brutal history being under the USSR regime which made life inconvenient and sometimes even unbearable. Having been written in 1863, it has many references toward becoming a free country and becoming unison, something that the communist regime wanted to accomplish. The anthem made sure to stress the importance of the rivers and mountain ranges along the countryside, all of whom the people of Ukraine desperately relied on. There national anthem shows great optimism towards future freedom and independence, and the fact that Ukraine’s glory will be known and appreciated by the rest of the world. Something that has yet to become widely noticed. The national anthem was written using idealist theories that hoped and prayed for the best. During that time Ukraine was in a bad financial and political position, and sadly it still is today. Somehow, the anthem does indeed represent the beliefs and ideologies that the people in Ukraine still hold. They always think that one day something better will come and their lives will in turn be much easier.
The United States national anthem was written in 1814 during an important battle at sea. It can easily be determined that our national anthem stresses freedom and patriotism as its most valuable concern. However, it was made when our country was desperately fighting for freedom and everyone was willing to help. Now unfortunately our country does not have that same mindset, our people take everything for granted; they just do not understand how long and hard it took to fight for our freedom. Our national anthem no longer represents our society as it did fifty or so years ago, it is truly a devastating site that definitely needs new blueprint.
The United States national anthem was written in 1814 during an important battle at sea. It can easily be determined that our national anthem stresses freedom and patriotism as its most valuable concern. However, it was made when our country was desperately fighting for freedom and everyone was willing to help. Now unfortunately our country does not have that same mindset, our people take everything for granted; they just do not understand how long and hard it took to fight for our freedom. Our national anthem no longer represents our society as it did fifty or so years ago, it is truly a devastating site that definitely needs new blueprint.
Passively aggressive VS agressively passive.
Canada
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Cuba
Hasten to battle, men of Bayamo,
For the homeland looks proudly to you.
You do not fear a glorious death,
Because to die for the country is to live.
To live in chains
Is to live in dishonour and ignominy.
Hear the clarion call,
Hasten, brave ones, to battle!
The Canadian and Cuban national anthems have a lot in common. From my reading, I found that both national anthems were war based, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. When reading the Cuban national anthem, I couldn’t help but notice how aggressive it was. Off the bat the opening lines command for battle. Where death and self sacrifice is glorious and rewarded. A life in chains is dishonor for country and citizens alike. In order to further promote this, the lines in the anthem command that we “citizen or reader” do not fear death, for it is glorious, because to die for country is to truly live. The love for one’s country isn’t a choice. It is commanded. Prurely duty, there is no thought, personal feeling or objectivity when it comes to the matter. As a citizen, it was expected. I think this totalitarian approach has a lot to do with the Cuban history of communim. It’s not about the individual, but the good of the whole. The speaker in the anthem seems to be someone of authority or power. Someone militant who has the authority to engage in war. This is also a subliminal message to the people of Cuba to allow themselves to be led by an authority figure rather than take things into their own hands or thinking. Although similar, Canada takes a totally different approach.
The Canadian national anthem is much more passive, although it also demands love of country of it’s citizens. This anthem speaks of pride in one’s country and specifically speaks of maintaining the freedom which it has obtained. It seems that the reason for war in Canada is for the sake of defending it’s own freedom. To me it seems to communicate to the reader that the love of one’s country is duty but also organically, a true love. Like the love of a child or family. something that must be protected. It is not communicated from an authority perspective. The operative words throughout the whole anthem is “We”. The anthem comes form the perspective of the people rather than the leader. The people feel duty to their country and they command it from one another. This is a reflection of Canada’s democratic/ constitutional monarchy. The power of the people to choose. In the end, The similarities are that both promote defense of one’s country, command respect, loyalty and seem to be military in approach.
British and Jamaican
Jamaica was once apart of the British commonwealth, until they gain their Independence in 1962. This was when they adopted the anthem " Jamaica Land we Love".
Both the British and Jamaican anthems have religious forms. They both are asking God for guidance and Protection. The Jamaican anthem is asking for guidance and protection for it's nation. This anthem do represent the values of this country. As for Britain, their anthem only focus on their queen their leader. The whole anthem talks about keeping the queen safe, as if, if she was to die, the country would die along with her. the British people cherish their queen and the anthem represents that. There is great value in the queen.
The USA anthem speaks about fighting for freedom. This anthem was written when we literally fought for the freedom we have to day. But has time went on, the same freedom we fought for is being taken away. we are not as free as we were anymore. there is a lot more censorship due to the patriotic act. As for our soldiers that go to war, as brave as they are, when they return, they are treated like any other citizen, sometimes worst. The time when they were respected is now long gone. The US anthem does not represent the US of this time.
Both the British and Jamaican anthems have religious forms. They both are asking God for guidance and Protection. The Jamaican anthem is asking for guidance and protection for it's nation. This anthem do represent the values of this country. As for Britain, their anthem only focus on their queen their leader. The whole anthem talks about keeping the queen safe, as if, if she was to die, the country would die along with her. the British people cherish their queen and the anthem represents that. There is great value in the queen.
The USA anthem speaks about fighting for freedom. This anthem was written when we literally fought for the freedom we have to day. But has time went on, the same freedom we fought for is being taken away. we are not as free as we were anymore. there is a lot more censorship due to the patriotic act. As for our soldiers that go to war, as brave as they are, when they return, they are treated like any other citizen, sometimes worst. The time when they were respected is now long gone. The US anthem does not represent the US of this time.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Independence counts!
After reading the anthems of Ireland and Brazil, I realized how many nations had to fight for their freedom. Revolutions happened everywhere. Ireland fought for freedom from the iron fist of Britain, where as, Brazil fought for their freedom from Portugal. Their songs both sing the triumphs they had to overcome.
Ireland's anthem was written in 1907 and Brazil's was created in 1822. The Irish title is translated into "The Soldier's Song." This song was used for marching soldiers throughout the continuous up raging wars that came before and after the Independence of Ireland. The chorus states "No more our ancient sire land shall shelter the despot or the slave." In Brazil's anthem they say "If with strong arm we have succeeded in winning a pledge of equality," They are both cries of breaking free of being enslaved from another country.
The differences in these two anthems is the masculinity in both. Ireland's seems more powerful with strength and revolt, whereas, Brazil is more in tune with the nature of the island and the beauty of the land. For example, Ireland has more reference to the cannons, " 'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal, we'll chant a soldier's song." Brazil seems more of a prayer to it's land for letting it survive, "O land adored above all others 'tis thee Brazil, beloved fatherland, Brazil!"
The Anthem of the U.S.A is a proud moment of our country, and I believe it represents how we have become a free nation of independence from Britain. Saying that, I do not see it as a fair representation of our nation today. We have let too much power fall into the power elite of the corporate and upper class community, that I do not think we are all in this together and most of our freedom comes with restraints. I feel there is a big change that needs to be held in our country, because I do not think a l0t of people have a great chance to survive. It has been observed that some of our poverty is worse then other countries. This is not acceptable, we are too busy taking over other areas that we are not focusing on educating and taking care of our own. I believe there should be another anthem constructed to open the eyes of our sleeping America that does not see how capitalism has really stripped our society of our equality.
Ireland's anthem was written in 1907 and Brazil's was created in 1822. The Irish title is translated into "The Soldier's Song." This song was used for marching soldiers throughout the continuous up raging wars that came before and after the Independence of Ireland. The chorus states "No more our ancient sire land shall shelter the despot or the slave." In Brazil's anthem they say "If with strong arm we have succeeded in winning a pledge of equality," They are both cries of breaking free of being enslaved from another country.
The differences in these two anthems is the masculinity in both. Ireland's seems more powerful with strength and revolt, whereas, Brazil is more in tune with the nature of the island and the beauty of the land. For example, Ireland has more reference to the cannons, " 'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal, we'll chant a soldier's song." Brazil seems more of a prayer to it's land for letting it survive, "O land adored above all others 'tis thee Brazil, beloved fatherland, Brazil!"
The Anthem of the U.S.A is a proud moment of our country, and I believe it represents how we have become a free nation of independence from Britain. Saying that, I do not see it as a fair representation of our nation today. We have let too much power fall into the power elite of the corporate and upper class community, that I do not think we are all in this together and most of our freedom comes with restraints. I feel there is a big change that needs to be held in our country, because I do not think a l0t of people have a great chance to survive. It has been observed that some of our poverty is worse then other countries. This is not acceptable, we are too busy taking over other areas that we are not focusing on educating and taking care of our own. I believe there should be another anthem constructed to open the eyes of our sleeping America that does not see how capitalism has really stripped our society of our equality.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
One Man of Two Nations
Rabindranath Tagore (1861 – 1941), a Bengali speaking Indian was the first Asian Nobel Laureate. Two of his poems were later on accepted as the national anthems of both Bangladesh and India. Looking at the demographic and historic background of both
countries, that could hardly be a surprise. Language, otherwise known as the mother-tongue, more than citizenship is a main factor in determining the identity of an individual. We are apt to accept views from people with whom we share the same language.
Bangladesh national anthem was written in 1906 at the time when the British artificially divided the Bengal into two halves based on religion. The predominantly muslim part is today’s Bangladesh. Tagore, a Hindu remained on the other side, India. He was an Indian, a Bengali speaking Indian. Tagore was against the partition and he wrote that song to keep on the flame of unity among the Bengali people. Part of the poem was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1972 after the country attained independence. In this poem Tagore emphasized on the natural beauty, richness and innocence of the land. One can smell the strong scent of patriotism and a sense of longing all through out the poem. It’s like a mother who was on the verge of loosing her one and only son to a faraway land.
Tagore wrote India’s national anthem at a later date in1911 during the British colonial rule but was officially adopted as national anthem in 1954. In fact it was written at the time of the coronation of King George V. Some think that the poem was written in praise of the British Monarch. Others however disagreed and said it was written in praise of God.
Whatever the truth is the poem unlike the Bangladesh anthem which focused on beauty and love for the land, India’s anthem focused praise on a higher being – the dispenser of India’s destiny. One common trait found in both poems is the rallying call of unity. Tagore used land as the rallying call in the Bangladesh anthem whereas India invokes the praise of the great ruler, the benefactor.
countries, that could hardly be a surprise. Language, otherwise known as the mother-tongue, more than citizenship is a main factor in determining the identity of an individual. We are apt to accept views from people with whom we share the same language.
Bangladesh national anthem was written in 1906 at the time when the British artificially divided the Bengal into two halves based on religion. The predominantly muslim part is today’s Bangladesh. Tagore, a Hindu remained on the other side, India. He was an Indian, a Bengali speaking Indian. Tagore was against the partition and he wrote that song to keep on the flame of unity among the Bengali people. Part of the poem was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1972 after the country attained independence. In this poem Tagore emphasized on the natural beauty, richness and innocence of the land. One can smell the strong scent of patriotism and a sense of longing all through out the poem. It’s like a mother who was on the verge of loosing her one and only son to a faraway land.
Tagore wrote India’s national anthem at a later date in1911 during the British colonial rule but was officially adopted as national anthem in 1954. In fact it was written at the time of the coronation of King George V. Some think that the poem was written in praise of the British Monarch. Others however disagreed and said it was written in praise of God.
Whatever the truth is the poem unlike the Bangladesh anthem which focused on beauty and love for the land, India’s anthem focused praise on a higher being – the dispenser of India’s destiny. One common trait found in both poems is the rallying call of unity. Tagore used land as the rallying call in the Bangladesh anthem whereas India invokes the praise of the great ruler, the benefactor.
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