Quite likely, this RD would pass off as any other. A day to be remembered for nationalism, and therefore, a day to do a lot of patriotic things...consciously.
So, some among us will wake up early, wear khadi and go and sing the national anthem to impress that they feel the pride of being an Indian.
And when the day has passed, we will get back to our routine in which, unfortunately, patriotism gives way to selfishness, indifference and -- what has always been in our Indian blood -- cynicism and we-are-no-good, boo-hoo-hoo mentality.
But when we get back to our routine, please stop in your tracks, and think: what is patriotism? Do we consciously need to be patriotic? Or, a little consideration for your fellow-citizens/countrymen (and women, of course) will ensure that much-hyped concept of nationalism via patriotism?
For that, we need to be patriotic at heart, not merely in our heads.
The difference? It is this: If you are patriotic only in your head, you will remember that January 26 is our Republic Day; that August 15 is our Independence Day, and we will try to show off our patriotic best.
But if you are patriotic at heart, every day will be an Independence Day or a Republic Day. Your heart will tell you that it is not just the land that you have to protect; it is the people, their emotions, and getting to understand them which will make you genuinely patriotic.
Sad, that there are very few genuine patriots around.
Let's be genuine ones rather just remember to show off our patriotism through strange things only on specified days....
So, some among us will wake up early, wear khadi and go and sing the national anthem to impress that they feel the pride of being an Indian.
And when the day has passed, we will get back to our routine in which, unfortunately, patriotism gives way to selfishness, indifference and -- what has always been in our Indian blood -- cynicism and we-are-no-good, boo-hoo-hoo mentality.
But when we get back to our routine, please stop in your tracks, and think: what is patriotism? Do we consciously need to be patriotic? Or, a little consideration for your fellow-citizens/countrymen (and women, of course) will ensure that much-hyped concept of nationalism via patriotism?
For that, we need to be patriotic at heart, not merely in our heads.
The difference? It is this: If you are patriotic only in your head, you will remember that January 26 is our Republic Day; that August 15 is our Independence Day, and we will try to show off our patriotic best.
But if you are patriotic at heart, every day will be an Independence Day or a Republic Day. Your heart will tell you that it is not just the land that you have to protect; it is the people, their emotions, and getting to understand them which will make you genuinely patriotic.
Sad, that there are very few genuine patriots around.
Let's be genuine ones rather just remember to show off our patriotism through strange things only on specified days....
