Tag Archives: independence day

Calling everyone across the country to participate in a one-of-a-kind AI musical experience for India’s Independence Day

We all remember standing to attention during our daily school assembly, and that unmistakable sense of pride when singing the strains of ‘Jana Gana Mana’. And it’s something we all remember singing with fervour -- whether we were the ones who were comfortable only belting out our favorite songs in the shower, or whether we were capable of giving professional singers a run for their money. No matter which category you belong to, we’ve got something special for you.


We invite you to participate in a unique AI experiment, which involves two key ingredients: the most cutting-edge AI work we’re doing in music, and… your voice! We are bringing together these two elements to produce a song that you would know all too well -- the Indian national anthem. All you need to do is sing the national anthem, then using the power of AI your voice will get converted into one of three traditional Indian instruments -- the shehnai, sarangi, or bansuri -- effectively rendering your performance of the national anthem in the instrument of your choice.
Taking part in this experiment is simple. Using a smartphone, head over to g.co/SoundsofIndia and you will see an interactive web app that steps you through the process. You will first be able to hear the national anthem, giving you a sense of the pitch and tempo. Next, you’ll see a screen with the lyrics of the national anthem, which get highlighted to help you sing in rhythm -- much like you would with a karaoke track. After you’ve sung, pick your favourite Indian instrument and in a few moments you’ll have your own version of the national anthem -- as sung by you but in the sound of your favourite Indian instrument -- downloaded and ready to share. Finally, you can join scores of others and submit your rendition to this experiment.


Note that the computation for this experience runs completely in your browser and on-device using TensorFlow, and no personally identifiable information is collected or stored. We can’t wait to bring to you the culmination of this experience, so look out for something very special coming your way on 15th August 2020 -- the 73rd anniversary of India’s Independence.


We look forward to your joining us in creating a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that is inspired by tradition, and powered by AI.

Posted by Sanjay Gupta, Vice President and Country Manager, Google India

Jai Hind! Exploring India’s Independence history with Google Maps and the Cultural Institute


India’s road to independence stretched over years, with historic moments occurring at landmarks across the nation. As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, we’ve put together a tour through some of the most iconic sites related to the Independence movement from Google Maps and the Cultural Institute.

Trace the footsteps of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, from his oath at Parliament and speech on the country’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’,  to the Red Fort, where he unfurled the Tricolor on 15 August 1947; and where each year, subsequent Prime Ministers have followed the tradition of unfurling the national flag and delivering an address to the nation.



Lahori Gate is the main gate to the Red Fort and named after its orientation towards the city of Lahore

Go right inside the complex and learn more about the Mughal Citadel — from the Chhatta Chowk markets and Naqqar Khana drum house, to the gracious arches of Diwan-e-Aam — with a virtual exhibit from the Cultural Institute.

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Diwan-e-Aam, Archaeological Survey of India and the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library

You could also visit the majestic Aga Khan Palace. Built in 1892, it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi from 1942. Or the historical Sabarmati Ashram, his residence for over 12 years and from where he led the Dandi march — also known as the Salt Satyagraha —  of non-violent protest in March 1930.



Or take a tour of the dreaded Cellular Jail in Port Blair, where many freedom fighters were imprisoned, or Jallianwala Bagh, the site of a tragic massacre of peaceful civilian protesters in 1919.


Cellular Jail, Google Maps

As we prepare to mark the 69th anniversary of India’s Independence, there are a range of images, photos and virtual tours you can take with Google Maps and the Cultural Institute — including a special collection of images and artifacts from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.

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Independence Day Celebrations 1947, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

Posted by Suren Ruhela, Director, Google Maps