EMBRACING VALUES

Yesterday I read in the newspapers that B schools are planning to introduce and cover the subject of ethics in their curriculum. This thought has come about after seeing many scams that have been perpetrated by the educated professionals. I was heartened by this news as this subject is close to my heart.

I have always believed that the world will become difficult to live in unless everyone lives a life of values. Anarchy. lawlessness, violence, cheating etc. will thrive without values being practiced in earnest by people. We might progress materially but will decay in every other aspect without values guiding our lives.

Having said this, I feel that ethics or values cannot be inculcated by teaching it as a subject and getting students to learn the theory of values. People who have ethics as a subject to be passed to become a graduate might end up mugging this subject and not really understanding it or imbibing it. The very objective of introducing the subject and inculcating it might get diluted if were to be a mere topic for study.

What then is the way forward? I give below some thoughts that come to mind and hope to see it getting enriched by the comments of my readers.

1. Ethics education should begin early. Right from childhood. The parents, siblings and others who make up the child's world (core group) should be actively involved in educating the child right from the impressionable age.

2. The core group should also demonstrate and live a life of values at all times. The child who is thus exposed to value living at an early age will imbibe it and practice it.

3. Encouragement should be given to the child every time she confirms to the value living concept. She should be lavishly praised for every single example in her life which shows values. Her mind should thus get firm on living a life of values.

4. If there are errors or judgement or occasions of default, it should be noted but not excessively dwelt upon. Instead, encouragement / positive strokes should be used liberally to imbibe values.

5. Others should also be spoken of highly for the values they show. This will create an intense desire in the child to inculcate those values too.

6. Children love hearing stories and they should get to hear, see and read stories wherein the themes revolve around values. The main characters should be exemplars in this area.

7. School should also be having curriculum, methods and standards which encourage values. Yardstick for judging a child should be the demonstration of values and not success / wealth etc. acquired through unfair means.

8. Society should also be built on similar lines. People who live ethically should be recognised, appreciated and even rewarded more than others who do not follow. They are the ones who should be treated as the heroes of every society.

9. Only such people who live ethically and with values should be allowed to elect and be elected as leaders and law makers.

I think the above steps outlined gives a fair idea of how I think. I know it can be branded as impractical and impossible to implement. However, I feel that if we want a clean society, we have no option but implement the above. If we work towards this relentlessly, we will eventually achieve our objective.

I am looking forward to your views on how we can create a world for the future generations which will be a pleasure for them to live in.

courtesy: Vishwanath Seshadri

THE BLIND HORSE

Near my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that ... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God

THE STRANGEST SECRET

An excerpt from
The Strangest Secret
by Earl Nightingale

George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about.

Now, it stands to reason that a person who is thinking about a concrete and worthwhile goal is going to reach it, because that's what he's thinking about. And we become what we think about.

Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety, fear and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing...he becomes nothing.

How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.

Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make a decision.

We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.

Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand - one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds - one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted. As it's written in the Bible,

"As ye sow, so shall ye reap."

Remember, the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the plants - one corn, one poison. The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety, and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.

You see, the human mind is the last great, unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.

POWER OF LOVE

You can transform your world in an instant by the way you
Choose to see it. You can change problems into
Opportunities, anxiety into enthusiasm, and despair into
Determination.

The quality of what you see depends on the perspective from
Which you see it. And that perspective is entirely up to
You.

Instead of reacting again and again to the chaotic ups and
Downs of circumstance, you have a more powerful choice. You
Can choose to live from a constant and unassailable
Perspective of love.

Instead of fighting against most of what happens, you can
Choose to be lifted higher by all that happens. From a
Perspective of love you'll see the positive possibilities in
Every situation.

The way to live from love is to be completely and wholly
Honest with yourself. In the pure truth of who you are and
What you sincerely value, is the limitless power of that
Love.

Allow you to be truly you. And let the power of love color
Your world.

~Ralph Marston~

GOD'S UNDER THE BED

My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed."

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world in which Kevin lives. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, returning to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme are laundry days, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays--oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

I don't think Kevin knows anything exists outside his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. He recognizes no differences in people, treating each person as an equal and a friend. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God-- to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap -- I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances -- they all become disabilities when I do not submit
them to Christ.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of the Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all....

SOURCE:UNKNOWN

THREE C'S TO AVOID

Peace of mind is something that we all crave for. We cannot achieve this state without putting effort. After all, peace of mind is not something that can be procured by spending money or by force. The mind needs to be balanced and in equilibrium before it can reach that state. For the mind to be balanced, we have several 'dos' and 'don’ts' to follow. Given below are three 'don’ts' which go a long way to achieve that state. They are described as the three Cs.

Criticizing: The first C is criticizing. It is one of the most natural talents that we all have. Our minds seem to be tuned to find fault and spot blemishes. Many a times, we see problems where none exist. It is as if our minds have the uncanny knack of identifying a problem. At the same time, our tongues are eager to let others know of our 'superiority' in being able to articulate those problems. When we criticize thus, unnecessarily, we are unknowingly building resistance as well as enemies. These lead to unwarranted arguments and attempts to prove a point. Moreover, our minds which get clouded in negativity refuse to let us reach the state of equilibrium.

Complaining: The other C is similar to the first C and yet more damaging. Complaining is taking criticism to a higher level and almost results in condemning others. As long as it is constructive in nature and comes with intent to resolve and rectify, it is still bearable. What takes the cake is complaining which sounds like whining. It is other extreme of appreciating. It creates a huge negative whirlpool from which we are unable to extricate ourselves. We also carry the feelings of hurt and annoyance in our minds which prevents us from experiencing bliss.

Comparing: Another C which we seem to be unable to avoid is the comparison bug. It is almost like a virus which is in the air. Many of us are comparing all the time - ourselves with those around us. It could be about anything - wealth, friends, physique, job, dogs, appliances etc. It gives us momentary pleasure when we see others in a worse situation than us and also give us sleepless nights when we see others enjoying more than us. Comparison is a never ending maze where people get lost and unable to recover their bearings. It is a method of inventing joy / sorrow out of nothing.

These three Cs are best avoided and conscious efforts taken to prevent ourselves from getting entrapped here. It would be a good idea to ask one of our close spiritual friends to help us in the process. If someone were to remind us each time we use these Cs, it will help us tremendously in making course corrections. Over time, we might become habituated to completely avoid them and progress towards the much coveted state of peace in our minds.

courtesy: Vishwanath Seshadri

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized
that this is the best day of my life, ever!
There were times when I wondered if
I would make it to today; but I did!

And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an
unbelievable life I have had so far:
the accomplishments, the many blessings,
and, yes, even the hardships because
they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my
head held high, and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:
the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees,
the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations
will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life
with other people. I'll make someone smile.

I'll go out of my way to perform an
unexpected act of kindness
for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to
someone who seems down.

I'll tell a child how special he/she is,
and I'll tell someone I love
just how deeply I care for her and
how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about
what I don't have and start
being grateful for all the wonderful things
God has already given me.
I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time
because my faith in God
ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed,
I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens.
I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon,
and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,
I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation
because I know tomorrow is going to be
the best day of my life, ever!

Copyright Gregory M. Lousignont, Ph.D.

WHATS FOR DINNER

A man feared his wife wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

Here’s what you do,” said the Doctor, “stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and s o on until you get a response.”

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone he asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?” No response.

So the husband moves to closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Still no response.

Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“James, for the FIFTH time I’ve said, CHICKEN!”

Moral: The problem may not be with the other one as we always think, could be very much within us..!

Again he gets no response so, He walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“James, for the FIFTH time I’ve said, CHICKEN!”

Moral: The problem may not be with the other one as we always think,
could be very much within us..!

THE CAB DRIVER

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One time I arrived in the middle of the night for a pick up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

“Just a minute,” answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80′s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.

The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

“Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

“It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.”

“Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”

“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.”

I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

“I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.”

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.”

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.

It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse.

“Nothing,” I said.

“You have to make a living,” she answered.

“There are other passengers.”

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

“You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.”

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware—beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

A true story by Kent Nerburn

This is a very good moral story. patience and the joy of giving are great virtues. may more people see the beauty of sharing some precious moments of their time with someone who needs the grasp of a friendly hand or a warm and beautiful smile. It makes the world a wonderful place t o be in.

I think all of us are given opportunities such as this in life. A chance to learn a profound life-altering lesson from what we might choose to let pass as an insignificant moment. It is about being present, aware, and making a choice to open oneself to the wisdom the Universe lays on our doorstep.

Everyone may have a life full of happiness but to give moments of joy to someone elderly can be a very gratifying feeling. also, that money isn’t everything in life…. sometimes wat you do for sumone else and get their blessings— well that could be great reward. so help people and please dont always look for something in return because something unknown to you could be given to you as a reward in the face of a blessing.

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!!!!