Jana Gana Mana, Played with Precision: Manu Bhaker’s Musical Salute

In a stirring tribute that blended music, patriotism, and personal emotion, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker marked India’s 79th Independence Day by playing the national anthem tune on a violin. The 23-year-old shooter, known for her precision on the range, showcased a different kind of finesse—this time with strings and soul.

 

The video, shared on her official Instagram handle, quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of millions. Dressed in simple attire and standing upright, Manu played the tune of Jana Gana Mana with quiet reverence. In her caption, she wrote:

 

“An attempt to play the tune that is closest to my heart this Independence Day. Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Generally, we sit and play the violin, but this time subconsciously, we stood up while playing the National Anthem. It’s the admiration for our nation that cannot be put into words. Jai Hind!”

 

From Podium to Performance

Manu Bhaker’s tribute comes just a year after her historic campaign at the Paris Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She secured bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event and followed it up with another bronze in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh—India’s first-ever Olympic shooting team medal.

 

She narrowly missed a third medal in the 25m pistol event, finishing fourth. Had she clinched it, she would have become the first Indian to win three medals in a single Olympic edition.

 

Her violin performance, therefore, was more than symbolic—it was deeply personal. It reflected the emotional connection she has with the anthem, often heard from the podium during medal ceremonies.

 

A Shooter’s Symphony

Known for her mental toughness and laser focus, Manu has previously spoken about using music to calm her nerves before competitions. During Olympic trials at the MP Shooting Academy in Bhopal, she was seen practicing violin as a form of meditation and mental conditioning.

 

Her Independence Day tribute was not just a musical interlude—it was a reflection of her journey, resilience, and love for the nation. The act of standing while playing, she noted, was subconscious—an instinctive gesture of respect.

 

A Nation Responds

The video drew praise from across the country. Fans, fellow athletes, and public figures lauded her for the heartfelt gesture. The Times of India described it as “a patriotic chord that resonated far beyond the shooting range,” while Sportstar called it “a moment of quiet pride that echoed louder than any gunshot.”

 

Her tribute added a unique dimension to the Independence Day celebrations, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the Red Fort, aerial petal showers, and tributes to Operation Sindoor.

 

Legacy in the Making

Beyond her Olympic success, Manu Bhaker has amassed an impressive medal tally:

Her journey from a disappointing Tokyo Olympics—where a gun malfunction cost her a medal—to redemption in Paris has made her a symbol of perseverance.

 

Sources: Sportstar, Times of India, Tribune India: