A prolific writer with the unique ability to write for all mediums, his Bengali poem Jana Gana Mana Adhi was first performed in song in 1911.

The first stanza of this song became the National Anthem in 1950.

During his life, Tagore was an unsurpassed representative of his nation and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

Instructions have been issued from time to time about the correct versions of the Anthem, the occasions on which these are to be played or sung, and about the need for paying respect to the anthem by observance of proper decorum on such occasions.

The substance of these instructions has been embodied in this information sheet for general information and guidance.

Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sind, Gujarat and Maratha, Of the Dravida and Odisha and Bengal; It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas, mingles in the music of Jamuna and Ganges and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea.

The saving of all people waits in thy hand, Thou dispenser of Indias destiny.

School authorities should make adequate provision in their programmes for popularising the singing of the Anthem and promoting respect for the National Flag among students.

Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindhu, Gujarat and Maratha, Of the Dravida and Orissa and Bengal; It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas, mingles in the music of Jamuna and Ganges and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea.

Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted as the Indian national anthem on January 24, 1950.

A formal rendition of the national anthem takes fifty-two seconds.

A shortened version consisting of the first and last lines (and taking about 20 seconds to play) is also staged occasionally.

Jana Gana Mana Original 52 Seconds Mp3