In a couple of weeks, we’re going to be celebrating the 73rd Independence Day of our country. Excited? Oh, wait, did I just ask you if you are excited? I mean, the only time we do remember about our country and patriotism is either with the onset of the Independence Day week or on Republic Day or on the day of the India Pakistan cricket match. We feel obligated to post statuses or share loads of nonsensical WhatsApp forwards; I feel this week should be declared as the patriotic show-off week. I’m not exaggerating it or making it worse, but yes this is pretty much the scenario. Everyone puts tricolour flags in their display pictures and the like. Now, I see you ask me – “What do you want us to do then?”. It’ll be a genuine reaction from your part, I agree with that definitely.
I’m well aware of your busy schedules and your deeds too. Everyone looks at 15th August or 26th January being a holiday as their fundamental right, of course. Well, I’m not saying I am alienated from this vicious circle of patriotism. And the reason why I’m writing this is that someday, someone has to think about our nation, it’s not that some particular group has been given the responsibility to take care of it. It’s not just limited to our soldiers who’re protecting our borders or the local policeman who’s serving us, day in and day out, to have a crime-free country. We need to do better than those disgraceful politicians who limit patriotism to hoisting flags and making speeches.
To be patriotic, you just need to know, appreciate and respect your roots. Don’t always wait for someone to step up and lead us. It never happens; it’ll always be up to you. Even by doing small things you can create a great difference and that’s what we want right now. You could begin with deciding to not throw litter anywhere on roads or plastic cans or that packing anywhere, as we habitual of doing. Maybe try it for a week?
Don’t think what the society is going to think about you, also, don’t think that doing these things will make you less cool; don’t give a damn about these ill practices that the society propagates by peer pressure and conditioning. Try and make a good difference by having some respect for those who work as sweepers or those who are primary workers. It’s inhuman to insult them, despite them being a part of the society as equally as you are. It perpetuates the cycle of caste segregation and discrimination even more.
Don’t victimise yourself with regards to the current situation of our society. I’m well aware of today’s scenario of Indian society which is slowly deviating towards non-secularism. That’s miserable and a major part of it emanates from illiteracy and unawareness. But, there’s still a lot of change that can be effectuated, and right now.
Don’t underestimate our country; don’t give up on it, not yet. Our freedom is a result of revolutions, lives and critical decisions. Try and treat this holy place with respect and admiration. Do honest deeds that lead to a better society.
I’m venturing on it alone, even if no one joins.
Don’t wait. It begins now.