"India is my motherland..." — these words ignite a spark of patriotism in every Indian heart. Every school morning across the country begins with this pledge, yet few know the name of the person who wrote it. For nearly fifty years, the author of India’s National Pledge remained unknown to most of the nation. It was only after the formation of Telangana in 2014 that the name Pydimarri Venkata Subbarao resurfaced in the public consciousness.

Subbarao foresaw a danger that still looms large today — that of self-serving politics threatening India’s unity in diversity. To instill patriotism among students, he penned the National Pledge in 1962, which has been recited in schools across India since 1965.

While the authors of India’s National Anthem and National Song have long been honored, the author of the National Pledge never received his rightful place in history. His humility, lack of self-promotion, and the absence of official records led to decades of neglect — pushing this great patriot into obscurity.

A Patriot, a Writer, and a Model Civil Servant

Pydimarri Venkata Subbarao was a patriot, a prolific writer, and an honest government officer. He was born on June 10, 1916, in Anneparti village, Nalgonda district of present-day Telangana. While serving as the District Treasury Officer in Visakhapatnam in 1962, he composed the National Pledge.

Since January 26, 1965, students across India have recited his words with pride. In 2016, his centenary celebrations were held in his honor. Despite his immense contribution, he was never recognized with any national award.

Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Jana Vignana Vedika, the Andhra Pradesh government included details about his life in the Class VI Telugu textbook. The V.G.S. Publications also published his biography in Telugu, English, and Hindi, ensuring that future generations learn about this forgotten patriot.

The Origin of the National Pledge

Subbarao wrote the pledge in 1962, shortly after the Indo-China War, to inspire a renewed sense of patriotism among Indian youth. He presented it to P.V.G. Raju, the then Education Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who forwarded it to the Central Advisory Board of Education.

In 1964, under the chairmanship of Mohammad Karim Chagla, the board officially adopted it as the National Pledge. It was translated into several Indian languages and made part of school assemblies nationwide from Republic Day, 1965.

Though brief in words, the Pledge carries profound meaning — it expresses gratitude to the nation, respect for parents and teachers, compassion for animals, and unity among Indians. It reminds every citizen of their duty to serve the country selflessly and work toward its prosperity.

The Full Text of the National Pledge

⁠“India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. I shall always strive to be worthy of it. I shall respect my parents, teachers, and elders, and treat everyone with courtesy. To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.”

Every word in this pledge is a message to society — love for the motherland, unity among citizens, pride in our heritage, respect for elders, and compassion toward all beings.

Written in a time of national uncertainty, it became a moral compass for students and continues to serve as an ethical guide even today.

Life and Legacy of Pydimarri Venkata Subbarao

Born in a modest village in Nalgonda district, Subbarao grew up with a deep love for literature and patriotism. While serving as a government officer, he wrote the pledge in 1962. Later, after his retirement, he accidentally discovered that the same pledge he had written was being printed in school textbooks across the country — without his name.

Only then did he come forward and inform the government about his authorship. Until then, no one knew who had written it. His was a simple life, but one filled with purpose, honesty, and a quiet sense of service to the nation.

Despite local recognition, his name is still not widely known across India. The efforts made during his centenary celebrations brought some visibility, but a national-level acknowledgment remains overdue.

Recognition and the Need for National Honor

Even today, the author of the National Pledge remains unknown to many Indians. Although both Telugu states have now printed his name in school textbooks since 2015, the same should be done across India.

As the National Pledge completes 60 years, and India’s Constitution celebrates 75 years, it is time to recognize the pledge as a moral safeguard to the Constitution — a daily reminder of civic values and unity.

It is only fitting that the Government of India confer the Padma Shri upon Pydimarri Venkata Subbarao, to honor his timeless contribution to national identity and education.

Relevance of the Pledge Today

The National Pledge continues to foster unity and integrity in a society marked by diversity. At a time when self-serving politics often divide people, the pledge’s message of brotherhood, compassion, and service is more vital than ever.

It shapes the minds of young citizens, builds character, and strengthens the foundation of a united India. As the nation celebrates the diamond jubilee of its Constitution, the Pledge stands as a moral shield safeguarding its values.

Conclusion

Pydimarri Venkata Subbarao is indeed a forgotten patriot. His words have inspired generations, yet his name remains largely unsung. Recognizing him nationally — by including his name in textbooks and honoring him with a Padma Shri — would be a tribute to his selfless service and a restoration of historical justice.

The National Pledge he wrote is not just a set of lines recited in schools — it is a timeless expression of India’s unity, gratitude, and devotion to the motherland.