Mumbai academic challenges use of word ‘Sindh’ in national anthem

London: A Mumbai-based professor has challenged use of the word ‘Sindh’ in the national anthem, saying that it is a province in Pakistan, and should be replaced with ‘Sindhu’, the name of an Indian river.

Professor Shreekanth Malushte said the government accepted the change in January 1950, but has done little to create awareness. “When the national anthem was adopted by the constituent assembly on 24 January 1950, the word Sindh used in Rabindranath Tagore`s song was replaced by Sindhu in the national anthem,” the BBC quoted Malushte, as saying. “This was done because Sindh province was transferred to Pakistan after the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan,” he said. Professor Malushte pointed out that the song continues to be wrongly sung, even at government functions, including the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. “The national anthem is sung in two different versions in the country. While some use the correct word Sindhu, several others continue singing with the wrong word,” he added. Professor Malushte now wants the court to issue an order asking the government to clarify and use the correct word, the report said. The court is due to hear the case on 15 September. ANI