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National Pledge
About National Pledge of India
As an oath of allegiance to the Indian Republic, National Pledge plays pivotal role to develop nationalistic spirit in citizens. Common recitation of this pledge is seen in public event unions where citizens involve for celebrations. Locations are usually different institutions especially schools for two national events—the Independence Day and Republic Day Celebrations held countrywide. Almost all opening pages of school textbooks carry its printing to develop the nationalistic spirit in students.
Eminent writer Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao had composed original version of this pledge in 1962 in the Telugu language. Its first recitation and reading in Visakhapatnam based school for the first time in 1963 brought it into limelight. Since then it was translated into several regional languages of India. The then chairman of Central Advisory Board on Education, M. C. Chagla issued direction post a meeting in 1964 in Bangalore that this pledge should be made mandatory for reading in schools in India. It was introduced under the law from January 26, 1965 Republic Day celebrations to continue the practice in the country.
Origin
Eminent writer, Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao had composed Indian national pledge in Telgu. He was a multifaceted individual as an author and administrator who composed this pledge while working as the Vishakhapatnam Districts’ District Treasury Officer during 1962. Once written, he presented the pledge to the then leader of the Congress Party Tenneti Viswanadam. It was further sent to Education Minister of that time P.V.G. Raju for consideration. Finally, introduction of this pledge became possible in 1963 with it being read in most schools.
Indians usually recite Indian National Pledge in the events organized for public gathering and is narrated in school assemblies in the country. Two more occasions are on annual Independence Day and Republic Day commemoration ceremonies. Authors of National Anthem or National Song were prominent figures while P.V. Subbarao, who wrote this pledge, was not too much known due to him not being promoted in any book or documents anywhere. Only India’s Human Resource Ministry records show such details in that Government acknowledged contribution of Mr. Subbarao who wrote the pledge for India. Ironically though, even he didn’t know about its selection and unaware of its status of chosen National Pledge that had been given similar position like National Anthem and National Song received. Interestingly he knew of its status while his granddaughter was studying and looked it in her textbook to find his own words.
The Pledge
Following are National Pledge words:
English Version
India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters.
I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
I shall always strive to be worthy of it.
I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect and treat everyone with courtesy.
To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness.
National Integration Pledge
I solemnly pledge to work with dedication to preserve and strengthen the freedom and integrity of the nation. I further affirm that I shall never resort to violence and that all differences and disputes relating to religion, language, region or other political or economic grievances should be settled by peaceful and constitutional means. In their well being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.
Guidelines for Usage
Occasions like assemblies in the schools, Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations are the time while National Pledge is recited.