Republic Day 2022: Beating Retreat ceremony held at Attari-Wagah border
On the occasion of Republic Day, the Beating Retreat ceremony was held at the Attari-Wagah border near Punjab's Amritsar on Wednesday.
Following the dropping of "Abide With Me," one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymns, from this year's Beating Retreat ceremony, government sources clarified on Sunday that "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" is a touching lyric that highlights the "Unity in Diversity" aspect of Indian soldiers and has a very mesmerising and solemn impact.
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According to government sources, the Beating the Retreat ceremony in India dates back to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army developed the unique ceremony of display by massed bands.
The Beating Retreat Ceremony is the culmination of a week-long Republic Day celebration in India, the world's largest democracy.
The practice of phasing out tunes handed down from a colonial past and including tunes with a wider and deeper connection to the people of India is an ongoing one.
"Abide with Me" is a popular military song, but only a few people understand the lyrics.
The iconic tune and lyrics for "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" have a much wider connection with Indians. It is far more appropriate to celebrate the valour and gallantry of India's Armed Forces than "Abide with Me," and the song evokes a strong sense of patriotism in all Indians.
As a result, we are implementing this change in the final performance of the Beating Retreat 2022.
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-PTC News
