Story:
UNESCO has declared the Indian national anthem “Jana gana mana..” as the best anthem of the world. Just few minutes ago.
Congratulations to all of us. Very proud to be an INDIAN.
Other Versions
(Hindi)
अभी कुछ देर पहले UNESCO ने जन गण मन यानी हमारे राष्ट्रीय गान को सर्व श्रेष्ठ घोषित किया हैं बधाई हो सभी को..
Fact Check:
These messages in wide circulation online claim UNESCO declared Indian national anthem “Jana gana mana..” as the best one in the world. It says the selection took place just few minutes ago and congratulates all Indians. No, the claim is not a fact – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization did not declare any such thing.
Origin of Claim: UNESCO Declared Indian National Anthem as Best One
It’s interesting, the story in question is circulating online since many years through emails, blogs and also social networking sites. The claim in fact surfaced in 2008 when many such messages started circulating through emails. Despite the popularity, no such report ever appeared in any kind of credible news or media outlets.
Actual Facts
If the claim is true, it would have definitely grabbed wide attention of the Indian media. Moreover, if UNESCO released such a statement, it would be readily available on their official website unesco.org, which is no where seen.
To verify the claim, India Today website indiatoday.in wrote to UNESCO in 2008 inquiring about announcement of such award. An official from Bureau of Public Information wrote back clarifying UNESCO did not announce any such award like best national anthem. The UNESCO official also mentioned they are aware of the false claims circulating in India through emails.
Although the messages are false, unsuspecting people often share them in the name of national spirit.
Hoax or Fact:
Hoax.
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