Why Do We Call India Our Mother? Story Of The Patriotic Spirit Behind Slogan, 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'

India is a country of diversity, emotions and culture. Every state brings its own uniqueness that is threaded together with its love for the country. However, do you know why we call India our mother and how the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai came into existence?

India's varied heritage and opulent culture have always been a topic of conversation. Its past as the 'Golden Bird' never ceased to be smeared by its long history as a British colony. Like the rising sun, the rays of affection drape the entire country into the soul, which has been synthesised from the soil of our motherland. So, let's take a look at the story behind some of the most famous slogans in India and why we grew to call India our mother.

Bharat Mata is a symbolic expression of love  

A child's connection with their mother is considered the strongest and the purest bond in existence of mankind. An Indian citizen shared the same love, respect and admiration for their motherland. Bharat Mata is not just a word but a bond between the soil and those who played in it. The term was coined as a symbolic connection of respect, devotion, dedication and reverence. The country is not just a piece of land but home to crores of Indians, the children of Maa Bharti, a bond which has stood strong through every war, every pandemic and every time. 

This love for India is evident in the cultural and literary works as well, from the motto, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, to Abanindranath Tagore's painting of Bharat Mata and the famous poem, Vande Mataram all are odes to the motherland. They stand as a symbolic reminder of the love and respect Indians hold for their country. The connection between the nation and its people is a beautiful representation of India's emotional attributes towards the beautiful country.

The story behind the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai 

Every war cry, every national meeting or national celebration is echoed in the slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. However, do you know how these mottos came into existence? The story of their origin dates back to the pre-independence era, but not to Shubhash Chandra Bose or Kiran Chandra Bandyopadhyay, but towards a young man in Hyderabad. According to reports, the great slogan of Bharat Mata Ki Jai was coined by the freedom fighter Azimullah Khan.

The patriot played an important role in the great revolution of 1857 and was known for his passionate songs. While he had a difficult childhood, his smarts went beyond his years. He studied in a British school and learned both English and French. While he first worked as a translator for a British Brigadier, he later joined the court of the Maratha ruler, Nana Saheb Peshwa II. Azimullah was an important name in the fight for freedom, and his revolutionary song, Hum Hain Iske Malik, Hindustan Hamara, was known to fill the patriot's hearts with fire. 

Azimullah was part of the first rebellion against the Crown. However, as the times became deadlier, his song, Payam-e-Azadi, fueled the fire for the want for freedom. However, his life came to an end of anonymity in 1859; while some believed he died of fever, some have stated he died of smallpox, and some have even claimed that he was murdered in Constantinople. However, none of his known songs had the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai. While some believe that he gave the slogan, Madar-e-Watan, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, during the first struggle for freedom in 1857, others claim that it was first cited by Kiran Chandra Bandopadhyay in 1873. 

Indian National Army and the story behind Jai Hind

The other most quoted slogan, Jai Hind, is stated to have been coined by a young man from Telangana. While many people believe that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose gave this slogan to the country, a book written on the history of Hyderabad revealed a different story. It was the former administrative officer and columnist, Narendra Luther who made some interesting revelations about Hyderabad in his book, Legends of Hyderabad. He shared an anecdote, including a Hyderabad youth named, Zain-ul-Abid Hasan 'Safrani'. According to the book, Zain-ul-Abid Hasan met Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Germany. Netaji was at the time visiting the German ruler, Hitler, during the Second World War to ask for his help in India's freedom struggle.

The book Legends of Hyderabad further revealed that during Shubash Chandra Bose's visit to Germany, he got an opportunity to address a meeting of Indian prisoners of war living in Germany. Abid Hasan was among the group of people. For the unversed, Abid hailed from Hyderabad; however, had shifted bases to Germany to pursue a course in engineering. Meeting Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose inspired the young man to serve his country. Netaji, who was looking for brave souls to join hands in the battle for freedom, asked Abid to return to the motherland after completing his academic pursuits and join his army, the Indian National Army, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj.

Abid did return to India and joined the INA. The term Jai Hind was coined in the 1940s. At the time, the INA leader decided to devise a religion-free greeting for the soldiers. At the same time, Thakur Yashwant Singh suggested Hindustan Ki Jai. Abid felt that the term was too long and coined Jai Hind, which was unanimously accepted. 

Regardless of who coined the terms, the feelings and emotions attached to the country and the term have and will always remain the same.

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