It was rather fitting that BTS chose “Arirang,” a Korean folk song, for their much-awaited comeback this year, announcing a return to their roots and using star power to bring the world’s attention to a poignant episode in Korea’s rich history. Listening to the “han”-filled melody typifying the essence of the Korean mind, I could not but reflect on how iconic songs have defined nations like Korea and India, making hearts beat and leap during darkness and despondency. I am talking about India’s national song, “Vande Mataram (Mother, I bow thee).” More than a century after it stirred India's freedom fighters, the song — like “Arirang” in Korea — continues to be reimagined and enthrall generations in India, asking a question that is as relevant today as then: What does it mean to belong to a nation? Composed by the noted Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song became, literally, a voice — lyrical but determined — of India's nationalism and struggle against colonial rule, an expression of gratitude to the nation, called "mother" to transform an ab