India, Aug. 16 -- "Saare Jahan se Accha, Hindostan Hamara. Hum Bulbule Hain Iski, ye Gulsitan Hamara..." The early morning breeze across cities carried strains of music, echoing the idea of freedom that India's founding fathers envisioned for a nation proud of its syncretic culture, pluralism and diversity.

Songs, including those written long before India attained freedom on this day in 1947, have continued to rekindle the emotions that fuelled the nation's freedom struggle and, in the years since, have come to embody its pride in memorable melodies that are still sung in harmony.

One of the most memorable songs of these remains "Saare Jahan se Accha", written by Muhammad Iqbal in 1904, which has remained popular for more than a century...