I AM NOT A "PATRIOT"

Somehow, I find that Indians have developed a sense of "pleasure" in portraying oneself as "patriot". I have not chosen the word "portraying" instead of "being" unwittingly.

The advertisements talk about patriotism. Sports persons are talking about patriotism. Professionals are talking about patriotism. Individuals are talking about patriotism. And lastly, politicians are talking about patriotism altogether in a different scale.

As usual, I am trying to get to the bottom of the "patriotism". In one of the debates with my friends, a challenging point was raised. Is "patriotism" defined by geographical boundary ? To elaborate, if I support "India" - what is the definition of India? Is the current political map ? What happens if the political map of the nation changes - regardless if it expands or shrinks ? Do I change my "attitude" towards the "changed" boundary ? For example, let us say that there is a river dispute between Bangladesh and India. Currently it is an international issue. Suppose, Bangladedsh is merged into Indian political map - then it becomes national issue. What are the resolution options that will merge - and how does it impact the definition of "patriotism" ?

I presented the above only as a perspective. Let us put aside the whole argument above as "hypothetical" (not truly, as the situation can happen in a similar way if an Indian would immigrate to a foriegn land - should he be patriotic to "homeland" or "foreignland") because that was not the main point I wanted to share in this writing.

The advertisements - should they not sell their products by demonstrating their quality of the product ? Why should there be an attempt to portray a picture that the patriots use their product ? I am referring to a bike-ad in which a young engineer prefers to stay in India to work abroad, demonstrating his "patriotism". The other ad is to create "healthy" India by using their Soap!!!!

The sports persons/organization - Till date, I have not understood the relationship between the BCCI and India. The rules and regulations of BCCI are not restricted (or obligated to abide by) by Indian Law - the way I understand it. Basically, I could never understand why a team selected by BCCI is "called" national team. Not only that BCCI is not a government body but also that it is not affiliated to Indian Government in anyway - to the best of my limited knowledge on the subject. Quoting the statement of BCCI Counsel in Supreme Court - from a old news article : "If India plays England, it is a match played by the official team of the BCCI and not the official team of India. India as a country was not represented at the International Cricket Council (ICC) and that the Board uses its own flag ". I do not know the subsequent developments on the subject, however, this much I remember that Sachin Tendulkar removed the national flag from his Helmet at certain point of time while playing for "India". Probably, given the "impression" created from the past, the billion people believe that the cricket team they watch is "Indian National Cricket Team" and even worse, supporting their national cricket team is the best and probably the only way of showing patriotism. The next possible organization to the list is "Force India" formula 1 racing team. In my opinion, the title of the team is coined in such a way to hide the private ownership of the team by an individual but to popularize the brand, which is the major objective of the formation of the team.

The professionals - Barring select individual scientists, doctors, teachers, technocrats, management professionals, majority of the professionals take a lot of pride(read money) in working for MNC (does not matter - if in India or Abroad) than working on a mission critical government projects. The tall claim they make on their patriotism is "paying high amount of income-tax" if they work in India and "remitting US dollars to India" if they work abroad. It is pretty apparent that both are not by choice.

The individuals - For a common man, patriotism is to respect national flag, to celebrate Aug-15/Jan-26 - by being either in the viewing gallery of the parade in the stadium or at home through TV, watching "India" Cricket match and supporting/debating an Indian Win, raise/donate funds for army personnel (God only knows the authenticity and accounting of the donation collectors).

The politicians - Less is required to be said. I would be pleasantly surprised if any Indian citizen would consider any of the current leaders as "patriotic". I have not come across anyone feeling about any leader so far in my life yet.

With all above, it is clearly evident that though not serving to the country the ordinary man salutes the national flag with utmost respect, the "intelligent" section evades the responsibility they can own upto, the "glamourous" parasites use patriotism for amassing individul wealth, the "business magnets" use the name of the nation for increasing their revenue streams, the politicians use it as "means" of living (the article being stolen is the means of living for the thief - isn't it ?).

The first question remains to be answered is already done so in the title. By the very essence of the article, I am not a patriot - given that I am a professional working in a MNC!!!

The next question - if at all it comes - does not have to be answered in this writing. The question is - "so, what should I do if I have to be patriot and not just portray like a one ?". The answer is not as important as the question because the question will direct the actions that will answer the question.

Jai Ho!!! Oops...I missed a point, probably a few, .....mmm...... probably not!!!!

Jai Hind.