Essay: ‘Patriotism in the Contemporary Era’

By Anoushkha Kant

In today’s India, which is ridden with communal strife, do we know the true meaning of patriotism? In my view, our outlook has changed in the way we bring our thoughts to the public sphere. Moreover, the thoughts too have changed along with the feeling of harmony towards one another.

So, the most important way in which we can be patriots in the modern era is by cooperating to make India a sustainable place with better living standards for all. Together, we have to make the country a land which promises a better future for its youth, and above all supports humanity.

As patriots in the 21st century, we can contribute by not spreading communal hatred and choose to enhance the secular spirit of India. Generation Z should look forward to the future and not forget the sacrifices of the revolutionaries. Furthermore, it is of significance to marvel at their accomplishments with ardour and respect.

India, the land of unity in diversity, has emerged out of a nationwide nationalist movement. Notably, Indian nationalism has never been based on a shared language, religion, or ethnic identity. Since humanity requires a broader sense of nationalism, it goes beyond any boundaries or barriers and seeks a large common place. And we already have it! Humanity, for us, truly comes before any other identity.

According to me, nationalism and patriotism are the two faces of the same coin, both having the main factor of love towards the nation. Patriotism in modern India is based on equality, respect, and freedom of expression. And devotion to a nation can bring out transcendent qualities in people, facilitating selflessness, courage, and relative idealism.

In my opinion, children must be taught to respect their elders and see everyone as equal, which can be considered as the foremost steps in preventing hostility among each other. We as a country shall remain bonded by the roots of a common cause of adoration for the nation. So, instilling social hate in an innocent’s mind can hinder a person’s growth as well as personality as a whole. Overall, people must learn to respect other people’s opinions even if they do not agree with their point of view.

Another important way of showing patriotism to one’s nation is keeping it clean. As a child, I have been disappointed at how cultural marvels such as many monuments are not maintained. Such prized possessions have to be respected by the people of the nation.

Being a patriot, you should see the developing side of the nation and must appreciate those who are contributing rather than disregarding it. A country’s greatest wealth is the people itself. Society as a whole must contribute to the human resource which can be the greatest attribute of patriotism. We all must involve human values including compassion and humility, as the base of our behaviour.

Modern Indian patriotism is all about transcending social barriers as we increase fellow feelings for one another. Even if you aren’t a social activist or an influential person, you still can contribute to a nation’s longevity, because no matter how much we try to hide, we remain proud Indians at heart. Last but not the least is the most crucial contribution: To vote as a responsible citizen.

We must bear in mind what the great poet Kazi Nazrul Islam said:

“I have forgotten who is my own, and who is not,

I have broken the ties of home,

My country is my own, it is my home….

We are indestructible, we have no fear.”

 Jai Hind!