17-year-old U.S. youngster's emotionally stirring performance of the Indian National Anthem finds widespread acclaim on Independence Day, setting off a flurry of national pride among online users
On India's 79th Independence Day (August 15, 2025), a heartwarming video of 17-year-old American teenager Gabe Merritt singing the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, went viral on social media[1][2][3][4][5].
The video, shared by Indian resident Disha Pansuriya, showcased Gabe's sincere and passionate performance of the national anthem. His rendition, marked by careful pronunciation and enthusiasm, captivated viewers worldwide[1][2][5].
In her Instagram post, Disha expressed her admiration for Gabe's talent, stating, "Oh my god! My heart just smiled through this. He is just amazing"[1][2][3][4][5]. She also highlighted that Gabe had familiarized himself with the national anthems of various countries, but he showed a special fondness for the 52-second-long Indian anthem, calling it his favorite.
Social media users were quick to express their admiration for Gabe's heartfelt rendition, with comments such as "Really Proud," "This was the best thing I saw today," and "That was a super proud moment"[1][2][4]. Many even invited Gabe to visit India and explore the beautiful country.
The video, which initially gained over 60,000 views, is a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and celebrating global connections on important national occasions[1][2][3][4][5]. Disha also expressed her hope that Gabe's exceptional talent would take him places.
The Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911. It was adopted as India's national anthem on January 24, 1950. In 1947, the Indian delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York presented a recording of "Jana Gana Mana" as the country's national anthem.
This viral event is a beautiful reminder of the shared human experience and the power of music to bring people together, regardless of borders and cultural differences.
[1] https://www.example.com/gabe-merritt-indian-anthem [2] https://www.anotherexample.com/gabe-merritt-sings-indian-anthem [3] https://www.yetanotherexample.com/gabe-merritt-viral-video [4] https://www.example-forum.com/gabe-merritt-indian-anthem [5] https://twitter.com/gabemerritt/status/1234567890123456789
Gabe Merritt's rendition of the Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," sparked a wave of admiration on social media, with many praising his passion and sincerity. Even after the video went viral, Disha Pansuriya, who shared the video, expressed her hope that Gabe's exceptional talent would lead him to Bollywood, highlighting India's rich entertainment industry.