Hamid Hashmi
Nationalism is expounded as a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that their country is better and more important than other countries in the world. While a patriot accepts criticism which extreme nationalist doesn’t. Nevertheless, an extreme nationalist never takes into consideration the flaws of the country, and only sees and talks about doubt. Nationalism can be both, a blessing as well as offensive-depending on the circumstances. According to Dan Fried, “Nationalism…is like cheap alcohol. First you get drunk, and then it blinds, then it kills you.” To sum up, I think extreme nationalism is a curse. But we should all be patriots and love our country.
Regrettably, in the current scenario the waves of jingoism have blown so hard and fast that India lost its dignified plot at National as well as International level. India, the country known for its “unity in diversity” and kind of patience Gandhi Ji taught us by quoting “If someone slaps you on one side of your face, turn the other to him” all is diminishing and scattering. Some uneducated self proclaimed nationalists are taking away the whole reputation of our venerable India and people are becoming so intolerant that they don’t even think of their actions and consequences thereafter. Recently, some people barged into a showroom of clothing brand Zara at Palladium mall in Maharashtra to shut down if they were selling clothes made in Pakistan. They did so because Kulbhushan Jadhav had been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court. But these people were not aware of the facts that because of these so-called nationalist act our Indian citizens may also be targeted in foreign countries. In last few months, a 39-year-old Indian Sikh man in the US has been shot and wounded outside his home by a gunman who shouted “go back to your own country”, Narindervir Singh was assaulted in Auckland, New Zealand & an Indian Engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed in Kansas by a white man while shouting “get out of my country”. All these actions are reaction of what we do here.
In the meantime, Supreme Court ordered that “all the cinema halls in India shall play the national anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem”. I abide by the new rule but personally, i unwelcome this hair-raising judgement because patriotism comes out of love and respect for one’s nation and that cannot be force-fed to anyone. Patriotism is a feeling that should come from within us and not from being told frequently that every time you watch a movie, you must revive your patriotism. According to me, its a disrespect to play the most sacred tune of a Nation before the double meaning movies cracking vulgar jokes and playing songs like “Whole night besharmi ki height.” Not long ago, national anthem was played in SpiceJet flight SG1044 minutes before landing and passengers were not in a position to stand up as they were strapped with seat belts. Do the passengers stand up to show respect, or remain strapped in as per flight rules? All these incidents only amounts to make national anthem lose its importance. There are more formal places for the national anthem to be played than a cinema hall like “Educational institutions (Schools, Colleges, Universities), investitures, government functions, parades, functions of the president, governor or forces, or at the beginning of the sessions of Parliament.
There are many other ways to be a loyal nationalist. It is not mandatory to use physical force or agitation to show your love towards country, instead, feel it through your mind and spirit that you’re a true blooded Indian. It’s a matter of how/what you want Indians to be known as by your foreign folks, considerably, you represent the whole nation. Treat your fellow Indians with respect and equality whether what social class or race they come from, we must give them the warmth of being one of us, and show them their value as a true Indian citizen. Obey the country laws because this is one of the most important ways of nation building and while doing so, you can be a role model to others.
Be a decent person. Don’t lie, don’t cheat, perform your assigned duties, be hospitable, always choose the right path so that when foreigners witness such, they will realize that being an Indian is something worth being proud of. Choose the right leaders for the right job. We must make sure that they are responsible for leading the country properly, and would not lead to corruption. Put your heart in everything you do in your country, and support it in every possible way you can. Every single one of us has greatness within us. It is our duty to put it to use. Nation has no remote to change itself. It’s the Youth who should take this beautiful burden on their shoulder and gear up for new responsibilities to make our India “Golden Sparrow” once again in a positive and healthy manner.
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