Song Title: Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara
Film: Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara (1976)
Singer: Mohammad Rafi, Chorus
Lyrics: Bismil Ludhianvi
Music: Mohinder Kaur
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Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty
Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny
Jai Hind, Jai Hind
O o o, O o o
That freedom for which yesterday heads were sacrificed
How many pearls and jewels came to the nation’s use
In Jallianwala Bagh, those who bathed in the blood of Holi, ohoho
That same blood flows in us, let’s show the enemy, hohoho
That same blood flows in us, let’s show the enemy.
Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
O o o, O o o
Whoever suppresses another’s right is certainly not human
The enemy of humanity has no greater identity than this
To clash with people’s rule, that is not so easy, hohoho
He who looks at us with a raised eye, let’s make his eye bow down, hohoho
He who looks at us with a raised eye, let’s make his eye bow down
Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
O o o, O o o
With the hard work of these hands, we have built dams
These are our temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras
These are the new pilgrimage sites of new India, hohoho
We will not let harm come to them, even if we lose our lives, hohoho
We will not let harm come to them, even if we lose our lives
Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
O o o, O o o.
Whether we work in an office or run a machine
In the fields, we sow our sweat and grow gold
All are fronts of hard work, let’s get together on them
Those who are standing firm on the borders, let’s lend them a hand, hohoho
Those who are standing firm on the borders, let’s lend them a hand
Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny
Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
O o o o o
Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind
In-Depth Song Analysis
The Cinematic Context of Aaj Watan Ne Hamein Pukara (1976)
“Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara” is the title track from the 1976 patriotic film of the same name. While less widely known than other patriotic films, its central theme is clear: to rally citizens toward national duty. The song acts as a powerful anthem, likely played during key moments in the film to inspire a sense of collective responsibility and unity. It’s not merely a song of war, but a call to every citizen—whether at the border or in their daily lives—to contribute to the nation’s strength and prosperity.
Lyrical Quality and Ideological Depth by Bismil Ludhianvi
Bismil Ludhianvi‘s lyrics for “Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara” are a powerful manifesto of national identity and duty. The core message is a direct address to the Indian populace, urging them to rise to the occasion. The lyrics begin by invoking the sacrifices of past freedom fighters, specifically referencing the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, to remind the current generation of the high price of freedom. This acts as a powerful emotional catalyst.
The lyrics then shift focus from historical struggle to contemporary responsibility. Ludhianvi masterfully defines a new kind of patriotism—one that equates hard work and progress with national service. He elevates all forms of labor, from office work to farming, to the status of a “frontline.” This inclusive and forward-looking message is what makes the song’s ideology so enduring. By declaring that the infrastructure built with hard work is as sacred as temples and mosques, the lyrics promote a secular and development-oriented nationalism, a concept that was particularly relevant in the post-independence era.
Musical Composition by Mohinder Kaur
Mohinder Kaur’s composition for this song is distinctively anthemic and rousing. The music is simple, yet powerful, designed to be easily sung and to build momentum and collective energy. The song relies heavily on a repetitive, memorable melody that is easy for a chorus to join in. The instrumentation is sparse but effective, featuring a prominent, steady beat that provides a marching rhythm, a staple of patriotic songs.
While not rooted in a specific classical raag, the melody has a bright, major-scale feel that conveys a sense of optimism, determination, and national pride. The taal (rhythmic cycle) is a straightforward Keherwa (an eight-beat cycle), providing a driving, march-like feel. The chorus sections are punctuated by a powerful rhythmic chant of “Jai Hind,” which is a simple but highly effective way to create a feeling of collective unity and resolve. This compositional choice ensures the song’s message is delivered with maximum impact.
Mohammad Rafi and Chorus: A Voice of Collective Unity
In “Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara,” Mohammed Rafi‘s voice is not that of a romantic hero or a solitary poet, but of a leader and a representative of the collective voice of the nation. His delivery is authoritative and deeply sincere, filled with a sense of purpose and gravitas. The use of a chorus alongside Rafi’s powerful lead vocal is crucial, transforming the song from a solo performance into a unified declaration of national resolve. This stylistic choice effectively conveys the song’s central message: patriotism is a collective effort.
Let’s explore the vocal nuances in each line:
Initial Verse
Aaj watan ne hamein pukara, aao apna farz nibha dein (Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty): Rafi’s voice is commanding and urgent, yet full of conviction. He delivers this line with the authority of a leader calling his people to action, not just a singer performing a song.
Aaj watan ne hamein pukara, aao apna farz nibha dein, Jai Hind, Jai Hind (Today the nation has called to us, come, let’s fulfill our duty, Jai Hind, Jai Hind): The chorus joins Rafi, creating a powerful echo. Rafi’s lead vocal carries the central message, while the chorus reinforces it with an undeniable sense of collective strength and pride.
Amn pe jisne haath uthaya, zulm ki woh buniyad hila dein, Jai Hind, Jai Hind (He who raises a hand against peace, let’s shake the foundation of his tyranny, Jai Hind, Jai Hind): Here, the tone is one of righteous anger and defiance. Rafi’s voice becomes sharper, more forceful, conveying a clear threat to those who would disrupt peace. The repeated “Jai Hind” from the chorus acts as a resolute war cry.
Woh aazadi jiski khaatir kal the sar katwaaye (That freedom for which yesterday heads were sacrificed): The voice becomes more reflective and solemn. Rafi pays homage to the martyrs with a tone of deep respect and reverence, reminding the listeners of the past to inspire action in the present.
Kitne moti, aur Jawahar kaam watan ke aaye (How many pearls and jewels came to the nation’s use): Sung with a touch of melancholy and gratitude, acknowledging the countless, often anonymous, sacrifices.
Jallianwala Bagh mein jo the khoon ki Holi nahaye (In Jallianwala Bagh, those who bathed in the blood of Holi): This line is delivered with a profound sense of historical weight and pathos. Rafi’s voice is solemn, making the historical tragedy feel immediate and significant.
Hum mein bhi woh khoon rawaan hai, dushman ko batla dein (That same blood flows in us, let’s show the enemy): Rafi’s voice shifts back to a defiant roar. The line is delivered with a powerful, almost aggressive energy, declaring that the spirit of the martyrs lives on.
1st Stanza
Haq kisi ka koi dabaye woh hargiz insaan nahin (Whoever suppresses another’s right is certainly not human): The voice is firm and moralistic, establishing a clear ethical foundation for their cause. It’s a statement of principle, not just emotion.
Maanavta ke, dushman ki koi isse badi pehchaan nahin (The enemy of humanity has no greater identity than this): This is delivered with a declarative, resolute tone. Rafi’s voice is unwavering, solidifying the moral high ground of the protagonist.
Lok raj se takkar lena, itna to aasan nahin (To clash with people’s rule, that is not so easy): The tone is one of confident warning. Rafi delivers this with a sense of the immense power of a united populace.
Aankh utha kar jisne dekha, uski aankh jhuka dein (He who looks at us with a raised eye, let’s make his eye bow down): The voice is full of righteous aggression and pride. This is a direct, assertive challenge to any adversary.
2nd Stanza
In haathon ke mehnat se, jo humne dam usare (With the hard work of these hands, we have built dams): The voice here is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Rafi celebrates the achievements of the nation with a tone of quiet strength.
Yahi hamare, mandir masjid aur girje gurudware (These are our temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras): This line is delivered with a sense of spiritual reverence. Rafi’s voice makes a secular point with a deep, emotional conviction, elevating hard-won progress to a sacred status.
Aanch nahin aane denge inpar chahe jaan gawa dein (We will not let harm come to them, even if we lose our lives): The voice is firm and protective, a solemn oath to defend the nation’s progress. It’s a powerful promise of sacrifice for the collective good.
3rd Stanza
Daftar mein hum kaam karen ya, hum machine chalaen (Whether we work in an office or run a machine): The voice is inclusive and unifying. Rafi sings this with a tone that values all forms of labor equally, linking them all to national service.
Khetan mein, hum boein paseena, aur sona upjaein (In the fields, we sow our sweat and grow gold): Sung with a sense of honor and dignity, celebrating the hard work of farmers as a vital part of the nation’s success.
Sarhad par jo date hue hain, unka haath bata dein (Those who are standing firm on the borders, let’s lend them a hand): The final call to action is delivered with a spirit of solidarity. Rafi’s voice is warm and encouraging, urging every citizen to support the soldiers at the border through their own work.
Overall Summary: A Call to Unified Action
“Aaj Watan Ne Humein Pukara” is a powerful and visionary patriotic anthem. Bismil Ludhianvi’s lyrics brilliantly blend historical homage with a forward-looking message of national duty, defining patriotism not just by military service but by every citizen’s hard work. Mohinder Kaur’s musical composition, with its simple, anthemic melody and steady, march-like rhythm, creates a powerful and unifying soundscape.
Mohammed Rafi’s vocal performance, supported by a resonant chorus, is a masterclass in conveying sincerity and authority. He embodies the voice of a unified nation, delivering a message that is both a tribute to the past and a challenge for the future. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to inspire a sense of collective purpose and pride, making it a timeless call to action for every Indian.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani