PATRIOTISM

The popular leader Hitler of Germany during world war-2 gave speech mobilizing troops to fight for the country, to save the country from humiliations of allied powers, to bring out their internal energies for a common cause. This perpetuated in the minds of soldiers very well that it created devastating impact on the lives of their people as well as across the world.

On the other hand, Lee Kuan Yew who was regarded as the philosopher king of Singapore had dreamt of great nation, had the feeling of common ness, identified common problems, regarded other’s problems as if it is his own, raised the country in devastating mode to top among least corruption country in the world. Singapore most affected due to British colonial policies, did not have sufficient water, natural resources to sustain, but a national leader with his patriotic mindset changed the landscape, history, roots of the country from poor to world class and most visited destination in the world.

   This raises fundamental question whether there are 2 types of Patriotism? It mean whether one type of patriotism can take you to the top level, the other one can make you fall from top level to the bottom level. It is perhaps true in most of the cases because the same thing can be used in 2 different way. But here comes the role of wisdom  what does he really want to choose.

Then, one may ponder what would be the best course of action. It would be certainly a feeling which makes the good for all. Gandhiji’s Talisman can help which says, when there is dilemma, we need to think of whether our action would help the poorest of the poor people or not ,then take right course of action.

        Patriotism refers to the feeling of love, devotion, sense of attachment to one’s country, giving support to the development of country as well as taking course of action which helps the country to reach higher levels. Whereas Nationalism refers to the feeling of sharing common history , identifies himself with the identity of other’s. They regard themselves sharing common problems and happy moments .

 Patriotism also  mean attachment in different forms as preservation of culture,  ethnic identities, religious practices, festivals ,languages. Patriots regard themselves as leaders and will lead the country. While serving to nation one needs to be careful,” We must not think what the country has done to me, rather than we must think what presence of me made the difference to the country”.

Freedom fighters cum patriots M.K Gandhi, Sardar vallabhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R Ambedkar made huge difference to the country. Similarly, Other patriots like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther king Contributed to removal social evils like apartheid. Recently Ukraine President Zelensky can be regarded as true patriot and leader because even though attack by big power such as Russia he did not escape, even though he has been given chance to escape. He does have fear about his family but he deliberately chooses to fight, to take challenge, to preserve his sovereignty of nation by himself taking arms, leading the soldiers, educating the youth to not to leave the country This is an example of real patriotism.

                       
                                                                       

 Patriotism can change the roots of a country, if it is implemented by every citizen of the country such as if a politician implements, he would bring a good quality law, doctors look after patient from humanity point of view rather profit motto, engineers will design best roads which will not collapse within months. Politicians need to become states man as there is saying,” A politician thinks of next elections, whereas statesman thinks of next generation”.

               However, in the present era of globalization, rapid technology transfer, social media youth are highly involved in other illegal activities like cyber-attacks and so on. These deteriorating values effect the more to a nation. The other examples of deteriorating patriotism can be seen in deteriorating work culture in high positions in reputed institutions, cases of money laundering, corruption, dishonesty. It is not good for country’s future as well as for one’s own conscience.

               To avoid these disasters, the inculcation of value system needs to be sown right from childhood. The school education should incorporate the good value system along with technical, which will lead to good citizens, indeed formation of human capital, an asset for our country. To promote the feeling of patriotism by reciting the stories great leaders in schools, colleges. Appreciate and rewarding for good actions will lead one to be remain motivated to be a real patriot throughout his life. Citizens with Patriotism is a big boon to a nation which will change the image of that nation in eyes of the other countries in the world.