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National Pledge (Pratidnya / Pratigya)

National Pledge

The National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to the Republic of India. It is commonly recited by Indians in unison at public events, especially in schools, and during the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. It instills a sense of duty, brotherhood, and national pride.

📋 Key Facts

Author

Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao

Language

Telugu

Year Composed

1962

First recited date

1963

First recited location

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Official adoption year

1965

Intended purpose

To foster national integration and harmony

📜 Text

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 respect to my parents, teachers and all elders 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.

💡 Meaning

Acknowledges the motherland and universally recognizes all citizens as part of a single national family.

Expresses deep affection for the nation and immense pride in its diverse history, culture, and traditions.

A personal commitment to continuous self-improvement to honor the nation's legacy.

A vow to uphold fundamental human values: respecting elders, educators, and maintaining politeness towards all members of society.

The core oath, dedicating one's loyalty and lifelong devotion to the nation and its citizens.

A concluding philosophy that an individual's true joy is inherently tied to the collective peace and progress of the entire country.

📚 Historical Context

The National Pledge was originally composed in the Telugu language by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao, a noted author and a bureaucrat, in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War. It was first read out in a school in Visakhapatnam in 1963. The Government of India subsequently directed that the pledge be translated into all regional languages and recited in schools daily. It was officially adopted to be broadcast and read in schools on January 26, 1965.

📏 Rules & Etiquette

• Posture: Students and citizens should stand at attention while reciting the pledge.
• Hand Gesture: Traditionally, the right arm is extended straight forward, palm facing down, or placed over the chest. In modern school assemblies, simply standing at attention is widely accepted.
• Recitation Method: It is usually led by a single individual (student or principal) standing at the podium, with the rest of the assembly repeating it line by line or reciting it together in unison.
• Solemnity: The pledge is not a song but a solemn oath, and should be spoken clearly with sincerity and conviction.

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