Patriotism-A convenient concept

At one time,in everybody's live's,we have all heard the word patriotism.According to me,patriotism is the pride in being the residents of our country,it is not the pride of being better than other nations,but the pride in our unique inherent mannerisms.It has become a convenient concept,which lies dormant within us,only awakened on the watching of a movie.The feeling,any patriotic movie provides us,is only temporary, and fades away sooner rather than later.

The question I ask of us all,is that,why must patriotic fervour be ignited in us only on the watching of a movie like chak de,lagaan etc.,why should we take pride in our heritage, only on the urging of somebody else.Im not denouncing the people behind the fine movies,i merely urge people to keep the patriotic fervour within them.Why should we not be proud to be Indians however we are and whatever we do.Why must we involve ourselves in hypocritic ramblings of the benefits of other countries over our country.In which country, will people stop to help you without an ulterior motive;it is true that there maybe exceptions and they always are,but,even an act of kindness to outsiders is patriotism in a true form.It is all fine and good,to say that the poor state of our country is due to the incapable politicians,the oppresive rulers of the past and the past British occupation.But,are you doing something to help the country,proclaiming yourself as a patriot by waving the Indian flag,or singing the national anthem is not being patriotic.Agreed that respecting our natinal anthem,flag is essential;but,it is not enough to be proclaimed as a patriot.

I am not telling anybody to join the army,or join the navy etc. to make a difference,but help the country while doing whatever you do.It is not enough that the literati should join in making a difference to the nation,but,also the undeveloped,uneducated etc. sections of the society should chip in.At the least ,we should not be hypocrites by declaiming our country just to impress people from outside the country.If you cannot do something for the country,you should not have the gall and, you have no right to speak against our nation.

I would like to conclude by stating that this is not meant to be a rant against those people who see patriotism as a convenient concept,to be followed when needed and thrown away when not,but rather as a wake up call for the people who truly feel for our nation.All said and done, India is a perfect nation amidst many imperfections.