"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
19 Jan 2025
For the first time in its illustrious history, the Indian Navy has dedicated an anthem to honor its civilian workforce. Titled “Jee Jaan Lagan Se,” this song is a powerful expression of the unity, inspiration, and indomitable spirit of Navy civilians. It was unveiled on January 17, 2025, during the Year of Naval Civilian Celebration at DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi.
This inspiring anthem is more than just a melody; it’s a symbol of motivation and a call to march forward with unwavering determination.
The anthem’s creation is a matter of immense pride, particularly for Kerala. According to a report in the Indian Express, two civilian scientific officials from the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kannur, brought this soulful composition to life. Senior scientific assistant T R Sreekanth penned the poignant lyrics, while T R Rithul Mohan composed the evocative music.
Sreekanth, hailing from Karumam in Thiruvananthapuram, is an emerging lyricist with a deep passion for poetry. His mastery of multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Sanskrit, adds depth and universality to his work.
“This is the first song exclusively crafted for Navy civilians in India. We are deeply honored to contribute to this historic milestone,” said Sreekanth.
The creative process for the anthem began in July 2024 under the mentorship of Commander Satish Champion, the Navy’s director of music. The orchestration was brought to life by the prestigious Naval Central Band.
Rithul, a trained musician from Moothakunnam, Ernakulam, shared insights into the project:
“Talents were scouted through online auditions, and select individuals from across the Navy underwent intensive grooming sessions at INS Kunjali, the Navy’s cultural hub.”
Rithul’s musical journey is equally inspiring. Mentored by the legendary music director Jerry Amaldev, he trained in Hindustani vocals under Vidushi Priyadarshini Kulkarni and honed his harmonium skills with maestro Prakash Ulliyeri.
The creative duo, known as RTR & SR in music circles, has already carved a niche for themselves with compositions like ‘Shivakaram’ and ‘Saketam.’ With “Jee Jaan Lagan Se” added to their repertoire, they aspire to continue enriching India’s musical legacy with original creations on digital platforms.
The launch of “Jee Jaan Lagan Se” is a heartwarming recognition of the essential contributions of civilian staff in bolstering the Navy’s operations. It serves as an inspiring reminder of their dedication and resilience. It carries a message of unity and perseverance—a true celebration of the unsung heroes who keep the Navy moving forward, jeevan jaan lagan se.