New Delhi: The Government on Sunday said it has replaced Christian hymn 'Abide with Me' with 'Ae mere watan ke logo' for the Beating Retreat ceremony, as the latter was an Indian tune, which paid respect to all those, who laid down their life for the safety and integrity of the country.
"The playing of Indian tunes is considered more appropriate as the country celebrates the historic Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav this year," government sources said.
They further said that the government intends to include maximum number of Indian tunes and only Indian origin tunes are in the list this year for the ceremony, to be held on January 29. Christian hymn 'Abide with Me' has not found mention in the official list of 26 tunes played in the Beating Retreat ceremony for 2022 released to the media.
'Abide with Me' has long been played at the end of Beating Retreat ceremony, which officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities in India.
"After independence, not many tunes of Indian origin were available and played by the bands. Many Indian composers and band conductors have composed Indian tunes over the years, drawing inspiration from the local martial and folk music. These tunes have, over a period of time, been gradually introduced into the ceremony. Efforts are made to select tunes, which represent various regions of the country," sources in the government said.
Last year, Christian hymn 'Abide with Me' was the only non-Indian tune played during Beating the Retreat.
"The iconic tune and lyrics of 'Ae mere watan ke logo' has a far wider connect with the people of India. It is contextually far more appropriate to celebrate the valour and gallantry of the armed forces of India as compared to 'Abide with Me' and the song also evokes a strong sense of patriotism with all Indians," sources further said.
The patriotic song written in Hindi by Kavi Pradeep, composed by C Ramchandra and sung by Lata Mangeshkar, pays tributes to the Indian soldier and commemorates their sacrifices, they added.
"Its touching lyrics highlight the 'Unity in Diversity' aspect of the Indian soldiers and has a very mesmerising and solemn impact," said the sources.
They said the song imbibes a sense of sacrifice and respect for those, who have made sacrifices for the country over the past 75 years.
Government sources added that phasing out of tunes handed down from a colonial past and including tunes that have a wider and deeper connect with the people of India is an ongoing exercise.
'Abide with Me' is a popular military tune, but the lyrics for this are understood by a limited few, they added. (UNI)
