Among all the music I have heard, one album stands closest to my heart—A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram, released in 1997 to celebrate India’s 50th year of Independence.

The song Maa Tujhe Salaam still moves me deeply every time I listen to it. It is not just music—it feels like the voice of India’s soul. The words convey a love for the motherland, seeing her as a mother who protects, guides, and holds her children close, wherever they go. The melody feels like both a prayer and an anthem, strong yet gentle, rooted in tradition yet open to change.

For me, this album is more than songs. It is a reminder of identity, belonging, and pride. It shows how music can cross languages, cultures, and generations. Even today, whenever Rahman’s voice calls “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” it feels like a blessing and a timeless echo of India’s spirit—one that accepts change while holding on to what we are.