PATRIOTISM

This Monday the country celebrated its 64th year of independence. The day when India woke up to freedom back in 1947 was a day of great celebration. On the stroke of midnight, a country came into life again as the British handed over the governance of India to the Indian leaders. The long and difficult struggle had borne fruit at last, though the happiness was marred by the fact that the country was divided into India and Pakistan and the violent communal riots had left the countries permanently scarred.On the 15th of August, 1947, India became completely independent. It was a day of fulfillment; it was the day of a new beginning, a birth of a nation. But after 64 years, have we really progressed at the desired place and have we really given value to our hard earned freedom?

The days such as Independence day and Republic day conjure up memories of those countless men and women who faced immense hardship and suffering in the heroic struggle for independence. But gone are the times when even for an average citizen, the day held a great importance. Passing time has eroded our values and principles and also importance of these great days. Times have changed and so has the perception of the present generation regarding the importance of this day.The profound effect of this can be seen clearly in current state of affairs. Today, the national days are seen more as a holiday and worst example of this can be seen in schools and colleges where students have little time to attend the flag hoisting ceremony.Indeed it’s very unfortunate that today people are feeling difficult to remember 15th August & 26th January, very important festivals of our nation.

Even the traditional celebrations in schools was marked more with habitual behavior than enthusiasm. The schools and colleges of the country have to keep the attendance compulsory on national occasions. It’s sad to witness that a student comes to attend such solemn occasions due to fear and even adults are not behind in giving least importance to the great day. Its heart wrenching to know they are completely clueless about perhaps the most significant day of our country. However, a lot of youngsters are unaware of the importance of this day — as to what really happened on this day. Many others do not know the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day. Thankfully, some had a vague idea while others remained content in the fact that it was yet another national holiday. In reality, our patriotic fervor today is confined just to the cricket field. We can die for our country when it comes to cricket. If our team wins, we feel we have conquered the whole world. For today’s youth, India is reduced to being a launch pad for entry into US or other cash rich countries, for instance, the episode of Sunita Williams and consequent celebrations in India clearly exhibit to what extent we are obsessed with the western culture. We feel that a foreign label on our foreheads can only shows our true value to the entire world. This is really a dangerous trend. We are losing our own identity in the process. we all can not forget one thing .We are always viewed as Indians no matter how much gum we chew, how much ever expensive car we drive or how much skin we manage to expose. Remember if we do not respect ourselves, no one else will either.

We the Indians have been able to safeguard our culture for five thousand years despite innumerable invasions, because we held on firm to some values. Those values are just as relevant today as they were in past. There are some people who have nothing good to say about India. They always blame their society and country for their slow growth. Whenever they see their country, they see uncontrolled population, malnourished children, corrupt politicians, illiterate villagers and unemployed youngsters. Moreover, they see India not as an Indian but like an American or European. when we don’t know ourselves, our own abilities, we always get blind with others brightness and start feeling ourselves inferior. Things never change over night. The first war for independence started in 1857 and we got independence after ninety years of continuous struggle in 1947. Many of us are unaware of the problems that they faced and atrocities committed. Post freedom we have seen both good and bad things happen. Some have used the principles of freedom in the right way and many have used or still using it in the wrong way. We have progressed in a number of fields such as education, science, defence, information and technology, and at the same time we have topped in corruption, unemployment. In spite of all these achievements we are still viewed as inferior, backward and poor people. Forget about foreigners, our own people misinterpret our country in many occasions. We have our own problems but there is a lot of achievement at the same time.We are the victims of our own success. So look at your country as an Indian and you will find that it is the most beautiful, prosperous and happiest place on the earth to live in. we have forgotten what we are.

In a survey of (1995 to 1997) India's rank for patriotism slips to 4 from 3rd. The spirit of love to country, respect to its countrymen and determination to lead the country to a better future is totally lost in India after independence.
This growing lack of patriotism which is fast spreading its vicious roots in the minds of our youth and children is taking a catastrophic form and must be taken care of. Or else the future of our country which is bestowed with such a rich past/ heritage is going to be in deep waters. Love to country works as backbone of the nation. Without it how can we aim to stand as a Patriotism, the determination for owning our country, the spirit to stand and face all odds to liberate country. It’s up to us, the people, to stand up and feel proud to be a part of this nation which has nurtured our souls and hearts.

It is a time to reflect on how to carry forward our country. To carry forward a country we need to be patriotic. What does it take to be patriotic in today’s India? You don’t have to be a Mahatama Gandhi and lead people to Freedom. You don’t have to be a Subash Chandra Bose and build an army to uproot the British Rule. You don’t have to be a Bhagath Singh and go to the gallows at the tender age of 23. Our forefathers have done all these and much more patriotic acts to ensure that we rule ourselves and decide our futures.

There is so much an individual can contribute towards the progress of our nation. We need to improve the tone of our social and economic life through improved work ethic and environmental behaviour.Today condition is that people are irresponsible and blaming politcs.unfortunately not only in politics even in the attitude and mind set of the average indian citizens always in pursuit of riches for fulfil their materialism and pleasures with easy money.The things within the four wall of the house belong to the individual, and anything outside is government’s property meant for destroying. Mind you do we ever think if government really benefits from this attitude. It is our own money which we pay to the government in the form of tax. The public property is our own property which should be taken care of as we take care of our own home and belongings. Indians must start feel that the nation belongs to them.Even the youth also running after money instead of good career with fine character I personally feel that the seed of patriotism should either ascend from the child hood i.e children or descend from the leaders, later part chances are very very gloomy, hence the only option for the Indian society to strengthen the nation with true patriotism is ethical value based primary education. Alas ! primary education system or any other educational system in India has become too commercial and manufacturing 'MONEY MAKING MACHINES" with high cost of beautiful childhood which one will never get back at any cost.Let us strive for the strengthening of character building primary education.

Patriotism is not a ritual to practice on the Independence Day or Republic day. It is something that inspires us to take the initiative to change the things which we complain everyday and move forward.Patriotism is not just love for one’s country; it is loyalty for and devotion to the principles and values that is linked within the country. It is also being true to oneself, because the first and foremost relationship in this world is the relation that a man develops with himself. It is easy to keep the personal connection with ourselves, but not as easy, with our country. Our relationship with Our country is one of a mother. As a mother is to her child, India should be to us. It is a bond of love, of admiration, of appreciation, and most importantly, of patriotism.

Remember one thing- the country is our mother and we have to be responsible enough to say that I am going to take care of her. Think about the Best for our country still not yet reached. we live in hopes and enthusiasm but nothing is done pragmatically.”It is very important for youth of India to take an opportunity and become a part for growth of the country.

India is not the only country with problems but is certainly amongst the few that does not throw up the solution. As a responsible citizen, we need to provide the solutions.Let us love our country with all its faults, let us work to improve it with all our strength, let us defend it with all our resources, let us hand it on to the coming generations better than what it was when we received it. Let us try to build a nation, which our freedom fighters dreamt of. That will be the real tribute to them!

The youth must feel for the nation and work to uplift the nation. It is now or never. If we truly want India to become a Super Power by 2020 then we must get united and work for it. If do not do so our dreams will only remain a dreams. This failure will weigh heavy on every Indian’s conscience.

Last but not least i wish to conclude with Dr. APJ.Kalam's poem,

I have no house, only open space
Filled with truth, kindness, desire and dreams
Desire to see my country developed and great
Dreams to see happiness and peace abound

Reading Dr. Kalam's poems, my heart fills with patriotism, love and faith. With this same faith I am honoured to be place this poem in MY BLOG.

JAI HIND!!!!