National Anthem Poem by Asit Kumar Sanyal

It was naval dockyard, Mumbai
I was watching the commissioning ceremony
of our homemade warship INS Chennai
along with my daughter
and granddaughter aged five
when the flag was hoisting at quarter deck
for first time
with the tune of National Anthem
in navy band
all the guests stood up
service personnel came in saluting position
and continued
till the end of flag hoisting.

I suddenly noticed
my granddaughter too standing
in the same style
as the service personnel
not only that
next day in her school
she stood in saluting position
when National Anthem started.

The class teacher came to her … said,
'Baby, put your hand down
it's not the correct position of standing
for National Anthem.'
she looked at her teacher's face
and boldly said …
'you don't know at all
yesterday I have seen it
with my own eyes
all the navy people
including defence minister Manohar Parikar
were standing in this position
when national anthem was playing in navy band.