Captain Ram Singh Thakuri - a soldier and musician in Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) - left an indelible imprint on India’s patriotic music heritage. Captured as a prisoner of war in 1942, Thakuri’s musical talent impressed his captors and ultimately brought him into the INA fold, where he was entrusted with composing stirring anthems to galvanize the patriotic spirit.

Under Netaji’s directive, he crafted the INA’s Qaumi Tarana, a powerful tune that echoed among millions. Yet, his legacy didn’t stop there: Thakuri also composed the musical score for “Jana Gana Mana,” giving the national anthem its soul-stirring melody, and created the iconic marching anthem “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”, which became a symbol of resilience.

Recognizing his cultural contributions, the Uttar Pradesh government in 1947 bestowed upon him the title of “Emeritus Musician.” Though his name may not be widely known today, Captain Thakuri’s melodies continue to resonate across India, weaving through public memory and patriotic reverence