'Abide With Me' Not to be Dropped From Beating Retreat Tunes, Christian Hymn Back on List After Decision to Drop Drew Flak
The Defence Ministry had, two weeks ago, conducted an annual review of the 30-35 tunes which are played during the march at the Beating Retreat ceremony in Delhi on January 29. As part of the routine practice to introduce new tunes, the noted Christian hymn was dropped from the list.
New Delhi, January 24: Christian hymn 'Abide With Me', which has been played in all Beating Retreat ceremonies since 1950, will be played this year as well, a senior Defence official confirmed. The hymn was reportedly dropped off from the list of Beating Retreat tunes and replaced with Vande Mataram. The decision had drawn flak, with critics of the ruling dispensation questioning the secular credentials of Modi government.
The Defence Ministry had, two weeks ago, conducted an annual review of the 30-35 tunes which are played during the march at the Beating Retreat ceremony in Delhi on January 29. As part of the routine practice to introduce new tunes, the noted Christian hymn was dropped from the list.
Critics of the move pointed out that Abide With Me was the "favourite" hymn of father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. All governments in independent India have included the song in the playlist for Beating Retreat ceremony.
A Defence official, while speaking to The Hindu on Thursday, was questioned whether the Ministry has decided to review its decision of dropping the hymn. In response, he said, "Yes, the tune will be played this year."
Watch Beating Retreat Ceremony of 2019
Abide With Me was written in the 19th century by noted Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte. The hymn was composed by William henry Monk and grew popular across the world. The Beating Retreat ceremony, where the hymn is annually played in India, is held at Delhi's Vijay Chowk on January 29 each year. The forces march to the tunes and pay salutation to the President. The ceremony marks the end of Republic Day festivities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2020 10:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).