Chak de India

The Hindi movie “Chak de India” (the phrase loosely means  ”Go India!” in Punjabi) is an unquestionable hit. But what is perhaps more amazing is the manner in which this phrase has become a part of India’s national lexicon over the past few weeks. Whether it is a cricket match being broadcast live on TV from England or a musical talent show on Indian TV, or even a news report about the successful launch of a rocket, this phrase is near-ubiquitous.

Perhaps the popularity of “chak de India” is because the phrase is catchy and simple to use. Perhaps it is because it captures a gamut of emotions that would otherwise take several words (if not sentences) to convey. Perhaps it is because of the strong association with India overcoming heavy odds against it to triumph (the movie is about the Indian women’s hockey team winning a world championship against huge odds). Perhaps it is because of the realization that as a nation, India is poised to succeed in multiple spheres. Perhaps this is a call to rally around a common goal- reminiscent of “Vande Mataram” during India’s struggle for independence.

But indeed, no matter what the reason, “Chak de India!”