A Hindu Wrote Pakistan’s First National Anthem? Jitendra Singh Recalls Forgotten Tale

The News18 Rising Bharat Summit in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 8-9 April saw Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, point out an underpublicized piece of history:

“And one more fact, which is not much talked about is that on the 14th of August, the midnight when Pakistan was granted independence, the very first national anthem was written by a Hindu poet called Jagan Nath Azad.”

Jinnah’s Role in Choosing the First Anthem

Jitendra Singh expounded that Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, appointed a committee of poets to write the country’s first anthem. Seeing Azad’s name on the list, Jinnah said: “Look, let’s have this, we might send out a message.”

Azad’s composition began with “Sar Zameen-e Pakistan,” dedicating it to the motherland. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted: “And then, of course, later on, it got changed. Then Hafiz Jalandhri wrote, Jo Aaj Kal Hai.”

Azad finished writing the anthem within five days, and it was immediately approved and played on Radio Pakistan.

Disputes Over Historical Accuracy

It is disputed, however, by some historians. A 2011 Dawn report pointed out that there is no concrete evidence that backs Azad’s claim, and official accounts do not note an anthem aired during the ceremony of independence.

Some Pakistani scholars, such as Aqeel Abbas Jafri in his book Pakistan ka Qaumi Tarana: Kya Hai Haqeeqat, Kya Hai Fasana, have disputed the allegation on the basis of absence of contradictions in Azad’s interviews.

Azad’s Personal Story During Partition

Jitendra Singh also shared Azad’s individual experiences during the partition: “He would derive great sadist pleasure in narrating that at the time when my national anthem was being written, he himself was fleeing away from there.”. Some of my Muslim neighbours approached me and said, ‘Sir, your anthem is being played it’s a matter of great pride but we fear that with the riots taking place here, something could happen to you, and we may not be able to save you.’

Legacy of Jagan Nath Azad and Jinnah’s Vision

Azad was a renowned scholar of Allama Iqbal and kept writing and touring the subcontinent for academic activities even after Partition.

As Singh pointed out, it also reflected Jinnah’s initial vision of an inclusive Pakistan, even if that vision later gave way to more conservative influences in the years that followed.

In today’s climate of polarised narratives, Singh’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of shared histories.