Nehru did not choose 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem.
It was chosen by our constitutional assembly (by majority, not by unanimity though).
And you are right that whatever the past of the song, we will have to abide by it.
But what I strongly feel is that we need to move beyond the symbolism (over-respect and over-concern for anthem/religion/freedom struggle/Indian supremacy from historic times etc.). दुकाने फोडल्याने मराठी बोलली गेली तर मग ते फार सोपे असले असते. But it is not so.
[One example of Symbolism is making it compulsory to sing Anthem in theatres. C'mmon! I go there to watch a movie. And is it a place to sing the National Anthem? But politicians have their own agendas and we fall prey for that.]
It will be only then that we will be able to see the shameful state of affairs in which we, Indians, live in. We are among the best in corruption, we have not been able to erase malnutrition deaths, we are not aware of the seriousness of the bloody internal war waged by Naxalites - our own brothers, we can not prevent terrorist attacks, we can not follow simple rules and discipline in public life etc. (- and we do not vote).
But fortunately, we are at a historic juncture where we, as a new generation, can overthrow baggage of history and compete with the world. We are exposed to world-class technologies, good opportunities etc. Further, we (most of us) are coming out of the over-influence of history, and have started to look ahead (instead of in our past) for answers.
Becoming Entrepreuners, creating wealth by adding value to society, and distributing it back to society through your employees and shareholders is the best approach for development.
It is only then that the world will start respecting your symbols - language/flag/Anthem etc.
Look at China as an example. Chinese never over-idolised Mao. Mao proved good at a very specific juncture of history. When new needs arose, Chinese gave away communism and went on the way of a state-controlled capitalism. And look at their might now. Situations have changed, so will change the heroes of today. So each time looking into a lives of past idol for answers will not do today.
Whatever our forefathers have achieved, they have done it. They have proved themselves.
Now it is our turn.
--
Ganesh Kulkarni,
हवा आदर, नको आवेश.