Posted: Mon Sep 13 2010, 04:11 hrs
Updated: Mon Sep 13 2010, 08:29 hrs
New Delhi
“Bhor hui jeevan mein. Shuru nai udaan. Mili hume pehchaan. Khule naye ab dwaar. Humara Aadhaar.”
A lone, distinct ektara tune leads into the official theme song for Aadhaar and as the tempo picks up, a medley of musical instruments from all parts of India — ravan hatha, madal, mridangam — lend a diversity that merges poetry with procedure, a melody that officials hope will grow on people, inducing them to register for their 12-digit unique identification (ID) number.
This is the clarion call to enrol for Aadhaar, a project of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) chaired by Nandan Nilekani. Called Yeh Hai Meri Pehchaan, the official theme song for Aadhaar is due for formal launch this month-end by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The brief was precise: “Song should feel Indian. Key messages should be conveyed via lyrics. Song should be melodious.” But it was no easy task. It had to be infused with dignity, had to be inclusive of the diversity of India, but at no point sound like a propaganda song.