# Patriotic songs from classics to modern for Independence Day

2026-08-15T08:56:27+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

As India celebrates its Independence Day, two news outlets highlight patriotic songs that have shaped national sentiment. NDTV recommends modern tracks including 'Teri Mitti' and 'Ae Watan', while The Economic Times spotlights historical classics such as 'Saare Jahan se Accha' and 'Vande Mataram'. Both outlets mention Lata Mangeshkar's 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon', written after the 1962 India-China war. The Economic Times reports the song moved then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears when first sung in 1963. NDTV also features AR Rahman's 'Des Mere Des' from 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' and 'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera' from 'Swades', along with B Praak's 'Teri Mitti' from the film 'Kesari'. The Economic Times additionally highlights 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara', the 1988 song celebrating India's linguistic diversity.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/teri-mitti-to-ae-watan-memorable-patriotic-songs-to-celebrate-independence-day-2026-11909989>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/from-saare-jahan-se-accha-to-vande-mataram-songs-that-continue-to-define-spirit-of-independence-day/articleshow/133260532.cms>

Tags: AR Rahman, India, Kesari, Lata Mangeshkar
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