The 15th of August holds great significance to every Indian. It was on this day in 1947, India became a free country. It is that time of the year when entire nation come together to celebrate Indian Independence Day and remember the martyred souls. India will be commemorating 72nd Independence Day of 15th of August 2018 (Wednesday). Every school and college in the country have already started out with the preparations for Independence Day celebrations. Apart from the flag hoisting, parades and speeches, dance performances on patriotic songs and skits are also a significant part of these functions. With Independence Day 2018 fast approaching, we have made a list of new Bollywood desh-bhakti songs in Hindi for the students to perform in school. Apart from evergreen tracks like “Maa Tujhe Salaam” from AR Rahman’s Vande Mataram, Shah Rukh Khan’s Chak De! India, Aamir Khan’s Rang De Basanti and “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo” by Lata Mangeshkar, the collection has latest songs such as “Ae Watan” from Alia Bhatt’s Raazi. Independence Day 2018: Quotes and Patriotic Sayings by Freedom Fighters to Evoke Pride for India on 15th August.

1. Ae Watan - Raazi

This beautiful patriotic song, sung by Arijit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan will reignite the fire of patriotism in your hearts. Both versions of the Shankar Ehsaan Loy composed song from Alia Bhatt’s movie Raazi is stirring. The lyrics are penned down by the legendary Gulzar. Dance performance on “Ae Watan…Mere Watan…/Ae Watan.. Aabaad Rahe Tu” this Independence Day 2018 would be a good choice. Raazi Song Ae Watan: Alia Bhatt's Journey as a spy is Perfectly Showcased in this Beautiful Number by Arijit Singh.

2. Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera - Swades

It’s been over 14 long years since Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades starring Shah Rukh Khan gave us this heart-touching musical gem. “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” is a masterpiece with AR Rahman’s soulful tunes and Javed Akhtar’s heart-touching lyrics. While the film focused on how no country is great but have to be made into one, the song, on the contrary, is about there’s no bigger love than what you have for your nation.

3. Aye Watan Tere Liye - Karma

One song that will never fade away from your memories is this Kavita Krishnamurthy and Mohammad Aziz’s “Aye Watan Tere Liye” from 1986 Karma. The film had a stellar cast Dilip Kumar, Anupam Kher, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah, late Sridevi and Poonam Dhillon. While this song features yesteryear actress Nutan. This song is perfect to perform in school to rekindle the spirit of freedom.

4. Aisa Des Hai Mera - Veer-Zaara

Unlike other intensely patriotic songs, “Aisa Des Hai Mera” from Yash Chopra’s Veer-Zaara is light-hearted and bright. The movie about star-crossed lovers Veer (Shah Rukh Khan) and Zaara (Preity Zinta) are singing in praises about their countries, India and Pakistan respectively in the film. In the present day, India may not share a warm relationship with its neighbour, but one should not stop hoping for a peaceful, war-free future. So dance on this brilliant patriotic song, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan, Gurdas Mann and Pritha Majumder.

5. Des Rangila - Fanaa

Another song that focuses on the bright and positive sides of our country. “Des Rangila” saw Kajol as blind girl Zooni along with her gang of girls perform in New Delhi in Kunal Kohli-directed Fanaa. The vocals by Mahalakshmi Iyer and words by Prasoon Joshi, “Des Rangila” is a perfect tribute to our motherland. Watch the original video from the movie, and you may replicate the dance steps as well for your performance in school or college.

6. Chak De India Title Song

Chak De! India title track continues to remain one of the top choices for students performing on national festivals. It is spirited, uplifting and will make you feel extremely proud of your nationality. The vocals by Sukhwinder Singh, Salim Merchant and Marianne D'Cruz will be etched in your mind for long. Shah Rukh Khan’s “Chak De! India” remains the sports and modern-day patriotic anthem.

7. Maa Tujhe Salaam – Vande Mataram (1997 Album)

A school event celebrating Indian Independence Day is incomplete without playing “Maa Tujhe Salaam” from AR Rahman’s 1997 album Vande Mataram. The musical genius had presented this song as a tribute to India in its 50th year of independence and it continues to be a part of our celebrations till date. So, without giving another thought, sing and dance to “Maa Tujhe Salaam”.

8. Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe - Lakshya

“Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe” from Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya is not just another patriotic song, but also reflects unity, teamwork and trust. The song was picturised on Hrithik Roshan preparing to go on war with Indian army against Pakistan. Dance performance on this song while all dressed up as soldiers would be a great way to celebrate Independence Day.

9. Rang De Basanti Title Song

A very-chilled out song but the one that holds a deep meaning is Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti’s title song in vocals by Daler Mehndi and K. S. Chithra. It is a fun-filled video on a group of friends with the lyricist Prasoon Joshi saying how it "was a wonderful experience getting to know the mindset of today’s youth and to pen down their feelings".

India’s independence from British Raj came at a huge price – loss of thousands and thousands of lives of freedom fighters and revolutionaries. Being born in a free country is a gift that was given to all of us by those lost souls, and it is our responsibility not to throw it away. In the past, we were slaves to a foreign tyrant, we have to ensure we do not become slaves to inner societal vices. It is important to be bold in our voice and committed to our motherland. Wishing every Indian, a very Happy Independence Day 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2018 12:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).