“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” – Benjamin Franklin

Today as we celebrate our Republic Day, let us take a moment to remember all the brave hearts and their family members who have laid down their lives in gaining our Independence, in protecting our freedom, and aspirations of dignity, equality, and justice within our nation. Let us take a moment to remember the family members of all the serving personnel who are associated with our nation’s security and defence services.

On this day in 1950, our founding fathers gifted us a written Constitution – one that remains supreme, providing direction to our nation and to us. This one document privileges and entitles us to speak out against injustice and demand freedom against any form of oppression, inequality, tyranny and injustice. In short, it basically inspires us to aspire for something much higher, much nobler, much better and much greater than the sum of ourselves.

While we have come far since the drafting and implementation of our constitution, our nation building process still is incomplete, as there are sections of this great nation – like us Gorkhas, who are yet to live the promise that Independent India guaranteed and envisioned for her citizens. All these years into our own constitution, even to this day, we – the Gorkhas are forced to live a discriminated and marginalized lives – most of all a life with dignity.

Every time we have aspired to live by and execute our constitutional rights and freedom that entitles us to demand for a state of our own within the Union of India, we have been labelled time and again as “foreigners”, “immigrants” and “mercenaries” and viewed with contempt and suspicion. The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has gone a step further and added to these list of insults by labelling us as “terrorists.” But despite such taunts and labels, our patriotism and dedication to our nation remains unshaken, unwavered and uncontested.

Perhaps, it is now time to ask of our nation certain fundamental rights and duties as enshrined in our constitution, to be exercised with honour for the Gorkha community of Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai in fulfilling their century old aspiration of separation from the tyrannical regime under Waste Bengal and have a state of their own.

The right to demand a state of our own – is entitled by Article 3 of our constitution, which allows for the formation of a new state. For Bengal to label everyone who has supported the demand of Gorkhaland as being seditious, including our movement as being secessionist is not only wrong, but also against the spirit of our constitution.

The right to equality – is ensured under Article 15 of our constitution, which decrees that no person shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. However, in Bengal – those who are loyal to the Gorkhaland cause are being hounded, yet those who have pledged their loyalty to TMC and its government are given free pass and police protection.

The right to life and personal liberty – is guaranteed by Article 21 of our constitution. Yet hundreds of Gorkhaland supporters are arrested and thrown behind bars for their choices and personal liberty. Hundreds more have been threatened with arrests, and their families are being harassed.

The right to freedom of speech and expression – guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of our constitution, which ensures that people have a right to say what they want to in support of their constitutional demand. It permits for reporting of news and dissemination of news. Yet, the Bengal government has in the past imposed ban on internet, local news outlets, and on India’s only digital Nepali news channel – ABN. Truth is, there is a severe scrutiny of any and all posts online and in print and electronic that are favourable to the demand of Gorkhaland.

Multiple cases have been filed against TheDC platform and tea members, some motivated by politics and some by the ego of law enforcement agencies that seem to be incapable of taking criticism. Cases are filed, not to ascertain justice and the due course of law, but to harass us and to brow beat us into remaining silent. But, they won’t succeed. We will continue to tell the truth and write about all injustices, because our constitution guarantees us this freedom.

The right to assemble and protest peacefully – is enabled by Article 19(1) (b) of our constitution, which permits the citizens of this nation to assemble peacefully. But we have seen violent crackdown by the security forces on any such assembly in favour of Gorkhaland statehood. In doing so, Bengal government has taken away one of the fundamental tenants of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

Living under an unfair and unequal regime, our Constitution provides us the only protection, and it is time for the nation to grant Us – Gorkhas, and other marginalized communities like the Bodos, and Tipras – these basic rights enshrined under our constitution, and unless that happens the essence of our freedom, and our republic will keep on getting diluted.

On behalf of TheDC team, we wish you all a very Happy Republic Day… let us all commit to uphold the dignity of our constitution and our nation, but doing our Fundamental Duties, while seeking for our Fundamental Rights.

Jai Hind! Jai Gorkhaland!!

The post The Flags of Our Fathers – We shall carry forth with pride appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri

During his lifetime, ex 2/1 Gorkha Rifles, later INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri was denied national recognition for his musical contribution to Indian history. While his music stirred India to national pride, he remained an unsung hero until his demise in 2002. While India sang and played Kadam Kadam Badaye Jaye everywhere including at The Beating of the Retreat on the evening of Republic Day, the composer remain unacknowledged. His letters and pleas remained unanswered causing much anguish to a man whose passion for India was a lifelong obsession, the motivation for his sterling and eternal patriotic music.

The gauntlet for his quest for recognition was picked up the Indian Gorkha community soon after his death. We strove to spread awareness of this great Gorkha. On 15 August 2006, the Capt. Ram Singh Thakur Memorial Football Tournament was inaugurated in Dharamshala, the day being his birthday and Independence Day. Efforts of all from the local Gorkha and Gaddi community laid the foundation of a highly anticipated annual event under Retd. Capt Bhagwan Singh Gurung, the President of the Memorial Association.

From 15 to 25 April 2010, Dharamshala’s Kangra Museum of Art held the first ever Exhibition on the History and Culture of Himachal Gorkhas, Language and Culture Department, Himachal Pradesh. A resounding success, the exhibition received top media coverage, visited by members of the Government and most of all, Indian Gorkhas from Darjeeling Hills and Dehradun. Panels displaying INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakur received attention and created an unprecedented awareness all over. The Gorkha people of Sukna, Darjeeling Hills erected his statue of him with the road named after him. In 2017, at Khaniara village Dharamshala from where Ram Singh hailed, the government named a senior school, road and Bhavan in his name.

The Padma Vibhushan 2018: After about twelve years of efforts we were in a position to claim his long overdue national recognition in the field of music. With research and compilation for the nomination conducted by Gorkha History writer Jyoti Thapa Mani, the initiative was undertaken by Shri Ravinder Rana, President of the Himachal Punjab Gorkha Association, and Gorkha community including Capt. Bhagwan Singh Gurung, Shri Naveen Gurung, Shri Anil Gurung, Shivraj Thapa of Khaniara Village, Dharamshala.  Things come together at when the time is right. But it is essential to be prepared from before.

This year, the prestigious Padma Awards Committee has received 15,700 nominations. The government has laid stress on honouring the country’s Unsung Heroes, a great initiative of the Modi Government.

The nomination as compiled by Jyoti Thapa Mani went on such:

Impact:

Very few are born to leave an impact to bind a nation with music for eternity. Late Capt. Ram Singh Thakur was one of those god-gifted ones whom India was fortunate to have in the right era.  When he was born on 15^th August 1914 (coincidently the same day as Independence Day) to a Gorkha family in Khaniara village, Dharamshala, (HP), no one ever imagined that one day 1.34 billion Indians would remain united with his music of Jana Gana Mana, Kadam Kadam Badeya jaye and Sare Jahan Se achha.

Capt. Ram Singh’s entire life has been actively devoted to creating peace and patriotism through music in highly eventful phases—as a Gorkha soldier of the 2/1 Gorkha Rifles, as the Bandmaster of the INA and as the most active musician of Independence’s formative years and lastly as the Bandmaster of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), Lucknow.

Fond of music and dance from early childhood, he was expected to become a soldier but he never compromised and pursued his passion for music. If music was the mainstay for thousands of INA members, the man behind it was Capt. Ram Singh. In 1943, his composition the tune for INAs Quami Tarana was first played to thunderous applause at the Cathay Building in Singapore.

Singer, Composer, Conductor and Musician, Capt. Ram Singh composed many rousing Patriotic songs, the mainstay for thousands of INA members. His music continues to be soul of Independent India.

1942-1945: Capt. Ram Singh created the music for the INA anthem “Shubh Sukh Chaina ke Barkha barse (Quami Tarana)” and wrote the lyrics and music for “Kadam Kadam badeya jaye”. He gave the exciting martial beat to Tagore’s Hymn, our national anthem today. His composition as pefrormed by Calcutta Youth Choir can be heard. He is the man whose ‘Kadam Kadam’ fills every Indian heart with pride and joy.

May 1946: Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patelji suggested that Capt Ram Singh set up an orchestra of musicians (all from INA, e.g. Ganesh Bahadur, Gulab Singh Thapa, Avtar Singh, Ram Saran, Nar Bahadur Thapa) under the supervision of Col Rathuri, Col Sahgal and Col Ahmed. It was named as “All India INA Orchestra”. Patelji gave Rs 5000/-for instruments from Bombay and other expenses. They travelled around the country to light up national unity through patriotic music and songs with full gusto.

15 August 1947, Red Fort:  Capt. Ram Singh and the Orchestra played the Kaumi Tarana “Subh Sukh” at the flag hoisting occasion at Red Fort. Ram Singh played the tune on the violin presented by Netaji who had told him “You will play this violin at the Red Fort when India gets her Independence”. On 15^th August 1947 when he played the stirring instrumental version of “Shubh Sukh Chaina ke Barkha barse (Quami Tarana of the INA)” on his violin at the Red Fort, the music added as is said in Hindi ‘Chaar Chand Laga diya’ to the historic occasion.

Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri performing for Gandhi ji

7 July 1981. Ceremonial installation of Netaji’s Chair at Red Fort, New Delhi: Capt. Ram Singh played the eternal two tunes on his violin on this occasion.

Awards:

• George VI Medal 1937.
• Netaji Gold Medal (Azad Hind) 1943.
• 1^st Governor Gold Medal, 1956.
• President Police Medal 1972. UP Sangeet Natak Academy (UP Music and Drama Academy) Award 1979.
• Sikkim Government Mitrasen Award 1993.
• The First Azad Hind Fauz Award by West Bengal government in 1996.

In 1945 the British had declared Capt. Ram Singh’s composition “Kadam Kadam badeya jaye” as seditious, and banned its recording at the British Gramophone Company in Kolkata. Two weeks after Independence, on 29 August 1947 the ban was lifted (source: The Hindu, 20 Sept 2015).

1948: Capt. Ram Singh was appointed as DSP with the Provincial Arms Constabulary (PAC) band of Uttar Pradesh Police. On retirement in 1974, he was awarded the title of ‘Emeritus Musician’ and lifetime service, Govt. of UP.

27 May 1971,Teen Murti Bhawan, Delhi: Ms Padmaja Naidu, Governor of West Bengal invited Capt. Ram Singh with his musicians for an evening of patriotic songs on the death anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. For the Morning Prayer, Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri played his composition “jalta hoon aur hasaan karta hoon” to the sacred ‘eternal diya/flame’. In the evening Capt. Ram Singh played the two eternal tunes of “Kadam Kadam” and “Shubh Sukh Chaina ke Barkha barse” along with the INA officers, All India Radio singers and National Drama Division.

September 1977, Delhi: Former Col Sahib Singh Verma (CM of NDA Govt. Delhi) invited Capt. Ram Singh to play the two eternal songs in the Delhi Assembly.

Citations:

Late INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakur, Music Composer of  ‘Jana Gana Mana’ (the martial music), ‘Kadam Kadam Badeya Ja’ (music and lyrics) and ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ (music).

National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’

1) “Till Netaji came to SE Asia, Vande Mataram was sung at all military and civil gatherings and could never be sung in a inspiring way as no one knew it correctly… Netaji called for a meeting and said he felt Jana Gana Mana would be more appropriate as the national anthem. Only two things had to be changed –the highly sanskriticised words had to be translated into simpler Hindustani and the tune should be martial and inspiring. A committee was set up and the results to be produced within a week. Capt. Ram Singh Thakur and his group were given the task of setting the music. Within a week they did and Netaji approved. The musical score was sent to Germany and transcribed by experts to be played by a full military orchestra. This proved to be an unforgettable composition of Ram Singh Thakur”. –Late INA Lt.Col. (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal.

Letter from Capt. Laxmi Shehgal confirming the fact that Capt. Thakuri gave music to “Jana Gana Mana”

2) Compositions (music and some lyrics also) by Capt. Ram Singh as endorsed by Late INA Lt Colonel Dr Lakshmi Sahgal:

• Subh Sukh Chain ki Barkha Barse
• Sare Jahan Se Achha.
• Kadam kadam badhaye jaa.
• Aao Milkar Gaye Geet.
• Aao Laheraye Tiranga Pyara.
• Gayee Raat Aaya Prabhat.
• Netaji ki Yaad.
• Bharat Mata Tujhko Karoo Pranam.
• Inhe Raah do.
• Sabse Ooncha Hai.
• Hanste Hanste Jeena.
• Netaji ka Pharman.
• Rani Jhansi Brigade ke Geet.
• Ham Maut ko barh kar Choomenge.
• Aise Chalenge.
• Chalo Dilli Chaley Ay Bhai.
• Inquilab Zindabad.
• Rah Jayega Phakat.
• Kaumi Tiranga Jhande.
• Jeetey Desh Hamara.
• Shere Hind.
• Azaad Hi Jiyenge Aazaad Hi Marenge.
• Delhi Chalo.
• Hind Sipahi.
• Netaji ka Sapna.
• Wo Shaane Hind aa gaye.

National Contribution:

Nationally, Capt Ram Singh Thakur’s contribution to ‘Jana Gana Mana’, ‘Kadam Kadam Badeya jaye’ and ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ stand timeless in shining colours. After the disbandment of the INA, he continued enriching India with music for the rest of his life.

Original record of the Indian National Anthem

Capt. Ram Singh was a truly secular musician who performed all kinds of music with equal passion — Bhajans, Sufi music, Qawwalis, Gurbani, Christmas Carols and folk music, performing at any event whether it maybe at Sports/ Founders day/Children’s Day at schools and colleges. He and his band were always there. His forte ranged from Western to Indian music. He created revenue generation and goodwill by establishing the PAC – UP Police Brass -Pipe band. He also went on to provide music to late Bimal Roy’s film ‘Sipahi ka Sapana’. He turned down offers from Bollywood as his genre and interest was only patriotic music. His music has been credited in Shyam Benegal’s film “The Forgotten hero” and for ‘Kadam Kadam’ in the film “Raag Desh”. Capt. Ram Singh’s recordings with Doordarshan and All India Radio, Lucknow stands testimony to his extraordinary contributions. His recognition will also serve as a tribute to the Gorkhas of the INA for their part in India’s Freedom Struggle.

Capt. Ram Singh breath his last on 15 April 2002 and was cremated with State honours at Bhaisakund, UP. He is survived by sons, Ramesh and Uday Shankar Thakur.

Links for Video references:

Original voice recording

Indian Army Marching Song Kadam kadam music and lyrics by Capt. Ram Singh Thakur.

List of documents submitted:

• Testimonial to the martial tune of the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ by Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal.
• Compilation of 27 songs and music by late INA Capt Ram Singh Thakur endorsed by Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal: Page 1
• Compilation of 27 songs and music by late INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakur endorsed by Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal: Page 2
• Letter from Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal to provide recognition to Gorkhalis in the INA
• Endorsement of The Pioneer newspaper article o Lucknow Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Laxmi Sahgal and attested by her.
• Letter from INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakur to then Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. 1997 Pages 1. Endorsed by Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal
• Letter from INA Capt. Ram Singh Thakur to then Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. 1997 Pages 2. Endorsed by Late INA Lt Col (Retd.) Lakshmi Sahgal
• Letter from Padmaju Naidu.
• References: The Khukri Braves-The Illustrated History of the Gorkhas by Jyoti Thapa Mani. Rupa publishers. 1.
• References: The Khukri Braves-The Illustrated History of the Gorkhas by Jyoti Thapa Mani. Rupa publishers. 2.
• Photograph: Ram Singh Thakur plays the Quami Tarana to Gandhiji.
• Record: National Anthem sung by Ram Singh Thakur
• Photograph: Ram Singh Thakur
• Photograph: Ram Singh on AIR.
• Jacket of Delhi Chalo CD with commentary by Ram Singh Thakur
• Statue of Ram Singh Thakur at Sukna, Darjeeling Hills.
• Ram Singh Thakur in performance
• Ram Singh Thakur meeting Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
• Gorkha certificate of Ram Singh
• Letter of authorisation to Jyoti Thapa Mani by Himachal Punjab Gorkha Assn. (Regd.)

Putting rest to all controversies relating to his ethnicity, this Gorkha certificate confirms that Capt. Thakuri was a Gorkha

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