The Indian national anthem, which is to be distinguished from the Indian National Song, is called Jana Gana Mana. The lyrics of this song were originally composed back in 1905 by the famous Indian poet Rabindra Nath Tagore.
In 1950, when India became independent, the poetic lyrics by Tagore were formally adopted as the national anthem of India. Tagore also wrote a musical setting for the words that he wrote. This music was written by him in 1911. In 1950, Tagore’s original music was also adopted as the setting for the lyrics of the national anthem.
Jana Gana Mana is still sung today as the national anthem of India, and it is used on official occasions. It is also played, for instance, on the winners’ podium during the Olympic Games if an athlete hailing from India is awarded a bronze, gold or silver medal for their sport.
Laura