A Powerful Ode to Indian Women, UN’s New Anthem Is Winning Nation’s Heart!

“Na waqt ne kaha rukne ko (Time did not tell me to stop)
Na kadmon ne kaha thamne ke liye (Neither did my feet)
Toh kyun ruk jaau main jab chalte jaana mujhe pasand hai (Then why should I stop when I love walking)
Is jameen pe mera bhi haq hai (This ground I walk on belongs to me)
Mujhpar mera hi haq hai” (I belong to me)

The soothing yet motivational voice-over by actor and activist Gul Panag in the new video campaign by UN Women India calls out to every young Indian woman to never give up. To fight for their right to live life on their terms and make their own choices, even in the face of judgement or backlash.

Christened ‘Mujhe Haq Hai’, this beautiful song was composed by renowned Music composer, singer and songwriter, Arko Pravo Mukherjee and sung by noteworthy playback singer Neeti Mohan. Launched yesterday, its video features path-breaking women achievers from across the nation.

Whether it is the world’s oldest sharp-shooter Revolver Dadi or Kashmir’s 10-year-old kickboxing prodigy Tajamul Islam, it is an ode to women from across different fields who have overcome challenges to make their mark.

Some of the other big names include veteran singer Asha Bhosle, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, actor Waheeda Rehman, Queen of track and field PT Usha, tennis champion Sania Mirza, cricketer Mithali Raj, wrestler Geeta Phogat, Paralympic champion Deepa Mallik and transgender activist Gauri Sawant, among others.

Among these renowned figures, there are also several unsung heroes and progressive women from across the streets, villages and cities in India.

Watch the moving video here:

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Arko said, “I am happy to be associated with this cause, considering it is for women empowerment and for women rights across the world which is a highly relevant and pressing issue.”

The real essence of this video can be summarised in the words of the 10-year-old kickboxer Tajamul, who told TOI, “Kehte hain ki ladki ke liye saari duniya banaayi gayee hai. Agar unhe hi peechay rakhenge toh kaam kaise chalega? Parents ladkiyon ko bahut zyaada support karen. Unhe freedom mile choose karne ka; unki life hai, unhe jeene do aur ladkiyon ko ladkon se oopar hi samjho.”

(They say the world is made for girls. Then how will everything work, if we leave them behind? Parents should encourage and support their girls to chase their dreams. Give them the freedom of choice, it is their life. Let them live and don’t consider them subservient to boys.)

“Mere shabdon ne nahi kaha mujhe mat chum (My words did not tell me not to kiss them)
Na mere khwabon ne kaha mujhe mat boon (Neither did my dreams tell me not to dream)
Toh kyun na sapne dekhun main (Then why shouldn’t I chase my dreams)
Jab unke liye ladna mujhe pasand hai (When I love fighting for them?)
Kyun chup rahu main (Why should I stay silent?)
Jab aawaaz pe mera bhi haq hai?” (When I have the freedom of my voice?)

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

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