PATRIOTISM HAS VERY FEW TAKERS IN INDIA

Patriotism, for the present youth of India is equivalent to cheering for India in a cricket match against Pakistan, because that is what they think is the “love” for their country. However, real patriotism is the sentiment you feel when the tricolor is hoisted and the national anthem is reverberating in your ears. It is the zeal and responsibility taken when your nation goes helter-skelter. It is the pride that you feel when your motherland achieves a feat not even thought of by any other country.

If you observe, half the adults don’t even bat an eyelid when a boy comes to sell an Indian flag before Republic and Independence Day. If these adults don’t love their country then will their children love? More than half of the kids in the country want to go out for their future studies and future life.

What kind of patriotism is vandalizing streets with rubbish, not standing up for the national anthem, shouting “Bharat Murdabad” in the streets and going against the government? It shows what people really feel for their motherland.

It is not mandatory to feel patriotic, but it is a natural feel within a conscientious person. Patriotism is that matchstick, itching to light a fire.

On the other hand, some might argue that since there isn’t any war, patriotism is not needed and people should go to the other countries and check new things there.

However, by doing so, people forget their own country. A citizen should never forget India which has raised them in her lap with love. She has given food, water, shelter, and most importantly life. Sadly, people’s mindset has changed. Their attitude tells which country they really like. They easily get brainwashed whenever money glints in front of their eyes.

Finally, this shows that patriotism has very few takers in India as corruption, greed, and want has brainwashed and taken control of minds of many people to an extent that they have forgotten their motherland, traditions and culture.

By-Mihir Walvekar
9B