Kerala gets official song from NSS

KOZHIKODE: The state will soon have an official song to be sung at all upcoming functions, including in schools and colleges. The one selected is the meaningful anthem of the National Service Scheme that begins with Manasu Nannavate,  Mathamethenkilum Aavatte (Let the mind improve, whatever be the religion). The 27-year-old anthem, that was heard so far only at NSS programmes, will be declared as the state’s official song by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a  function to be held at beach open ground  here on September 22. The song was selected for its lyrics that spread the message of communal harmony.

“It was indeed an honour for the NSS when Kozhikode North MLA A. Pradeep Kumar suggested the anthem as the state’s official song and put forward the idea before the government,”  said Justin Jerry, NSS official. The song was an inspiration for the thousands of NSS volunteers in schools and colleges. There is confusion over who penned the song and five persons have claimed  its authorship.  But the majority view is that Mavelikkara Gopinath  composed it.

The short song wishes for the flowers of friendship to bloom in every heart and spread their scent to the entire world. It calls for everyone, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians to join hands and aim at truth and goodness of all beings. “It was after 1990  that the song gained popularity in the state when the NSS movement gained momentum  here. A few years back, the then UDF government had wanted the song to be sung in school assemblies but the plan  was not implemented,  Justin Jerry  pointed out.