India celebrates 103rd anniv of patriotic song

Lucknow, Aug 11: Scores of people came together here to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of a patriotic song "Sare Jahan Se Achcha", written by philosopher poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Residents took out a rally to celebrate the occasion.

"We will take an oath of democracy. If we follow the Constitution, then our country will become the best. It is every citizen's duty to do follow it," said Nazir Ali, a resident.

Nazia Bano, another resident said that this song written by Iqbal has the message that communities should not fight on religious grounds and there should not be any disparity among the people.

"Sare Jahan Se Achcha Hindustan Hamara" (Our India is the best in the world) was adopted as the national song.

It remains one of the most popular patriotic songs in India and is a musical favourite of marching bands.

Iqbal, a Muslim who wrote in Urdu, is also revered in Pakistan, where he migrated following the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.

Followers of Iqbal contend that the poet never advocated a theocratic regime for a Muslim homeland. He believed in a secular polity.

In his writings, the poet had always stressed the idea of justice for all sections of the society.

Iqbal (November 9, 1877-April 21, 1938) is regarded as Pakistan's national poet.

ANI
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