“Janani Janam Bhoomi” (also popularly known as “Tum Maa Ho Badi Maa”) is a song of profound historical and cultural weight from the 1945 film Badi Maa. Set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II and the final years of the Indian Independence movement, this track is a stirring appeal for social justice and communal harmony. It is famous for featuring a vocal powerhouse trio: the legendary Noor Jehan, a teenage Lata Mangeshkar, and Meenakshi.
The film was a “war drama” produced by Master Vinayak, and this song serves as its moral heart. The lyrics, penned by the collective efforts of Anjum Pilibhiti, Raja Badhe, and Zia Sarhadi, address the Motherland as the “Great Mother” (Badi Maa), pleading for an end to the “reign of tyranny” (Julam sitam ka raaj hata do) and the unification of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian (Ab tum sabko gale mila do).
Musically, K. Datta (Datta Korgaonkar) created a composition that feels like a prayerful anthem. For fans of Lata Mangeshkar, this is a rare opportunity to hear her “first generation” playback voice—sharp, youthful, and earnest—singing alongside her idol, Noor Jehan. It remains a powerful reminder of a time when cinema was a primary tool for advocating national unity and empathy for the “hungry and naked” children of the soil.
Janani janam bhoomi lyrics | Lata Mangeshkar | Badi maa | 1945
Janani janambhoomi lyrics :
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
nyaay ke dag me deep jala do
soye hue hrday ko jaga
nyaay ke dag me deep jala do
soye hue hrday ko jaga
dharti ko aakaash bana do, bana do
aakaash bana do
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
chhote baalak bilakh rahe hai
nange bhukhe sisak rahe hai
nange bhukhe sisak rahe hai
daulatwaale, daulatwaale
hulak rahe hai
julam sitam ka raaj hata do
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
badli gam ki aisi chhai, chhai
dushman hua hai bhai ka bhai
dushman hua hai bhai ka bhai
hindu muslim sikh isaai
hindu muslim sikh isaai
ab tum sabko gale mila do
ab tum sabko gale mila do
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma
tum ma ho badi ma