US Woman Plays Indian National Anthem in Boston

By Vijay Bahadur

On a beautiful September afternoon in 2014, I and my wife, Shikha, were enjoying a leisurely stroll in the historic Quincy Market in Boston. Little did we know that we were about to witness a moment that would stay with us forever.

An elderly woman was sitting on the street with a unique musical instrument in front of her. Neither of us had seen such an instrument before.

Later, I learnt it was a glass harmonica, also known as glass harmonium, bowl organ, or simply the armonica or harmonica, a rare creation of Benjamin Franklin, an eighteenth-century German inventor and musician.

We moved towards the woman, curious to know what she would play. And then, to our absolute amazement, she began playing something that sent shivers down our spine – the Indian National Anthem!

Goosebumps, Pride, Reverence and a burst of patriotism swept through my body as I hurriedly pulled out my phone to capture this extraordinary moment on my phone.

As I recorded her beautiful rendering of the National Anthem, more people gathered around the woman.

The woman, delighted by the response, looked up and asked everyone to join as she played the last lines: Jaya, Jaya, Jaya Hey!

I can’t tell you what an experience it was.

Every time I listen to this recording, it leaves me speechless.

And I am sure, every Indian who watches this video will feel the same – awe, joy, and an overwhelming sense of pride and patriotism.

(Guest post by Vijay Bahadur.)

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