John F Kennedy famously remarked,"Ask not what the country has done for you but ask what you have done for the country".Given the times when Nationalistic feelings were running high among his countrymen, it was least surprising to find them responding enthusiastically to this phrase. Similar feelings were being voiced in various parts of the world."Give me blood and I will give you freedom" remarked Subhash Chandra Bose. If Americans respond eagerly can Indians, who have a greater rush of Adrenaline for all and sundry be far behind.
All this leads me to think- What is Patriotism? Who are 'our' people?If patriotism ultimately means sacrificing the interests of self for a greater good of the 'entire' nation then I have nothing against it. But is it worthy to sacrifice your own interests for the sake of a select few?Take the example of Politicians.They would definitely constitute the worst hypocrites amongst us. These so-proclaimed harbingers of the Nation are the very ones who let us down with in numerous scams ranging from the Bofors to Links with the Mafia. Well if they are patriotic then who am I??
Do I love India?Well I am not sure how I can put it. I definitely love my family,my friends,my street and my part of the city.But would I love Bihar as much as I love Chennai or Florida? I doubt. But one thing is for sure. I definitely don't hate my country or any part of the world. Then where does the question of Patriotism comes in the first place.
The very concept of Patriotism can be traced to the times when such feelings were stirred in some people in order to protect the vested interests(aka business,power,politics) of a select few. Have u ever seen a rich man's son or a politicians progeny enrolled in the military. Even if they do get there are they ever in the line of fire?Then why make a poor man's son the scape goat by instilling in him qualities for which the propagator himself holds no value?
The time has come to erase the self created borders in the world.Both physical and mental. If patriotism is supporting India's victory against Australia in a cricket match good for you. For the rest, May God Bless!
