Patriotism & India

( This Article on patriotism & India is written by Kishmita Thakur)

So. Let’s talk about #patriotism .
Being ‘Patriotic’ does not mean you always stand up for your country’s beliefs or always support them, because believe it or not, the country’s “beliefs” too were forged by citizens themselves. Be it the founders, or the followers, but those principles that are related to your country have come from people themselves.
And people have clashes in beliefs.So if you do not support your country’s principles, or laws, or beliefs, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad citizen or that you’re not patriotic.
India’s Independence Day marks the freedom struggle and a new beginning for a new nation that was to be governed by its own people.
Today, 72 years later, there have been so many developments, as there should be. But, these developments are slow.
For a country who has experienced religious clashes, gender clashes, caste clashes, aka equality clashes, it has been slow.
The constitution certainly did it’s part. It introduced laws and policies that were meant to ensure peace.
However, these laws and policies are not just supposed to be framed, they also have to be carried out. By the citizens.
And that, is where our country goes wrong.For every 10 government officials, 7 are corrupt.
For every 10 citizens, 6 citizens cheat legalities.
A country consists of its citizens, it’s constitution, it’s history, geography and it’s culture.
And it’s okay if you don’t love your country.Because *that* does not make you a bad citizen.
If you are one of those 6 or 7 corrupt people/officials, that’s when you’re a bad citizen. If you refuse to make your contribution to make the country better, that’s where you are wrong.
I mean come on.Even politicians go about saying I love my country. They show the *feel of patriotism*.But, are they good citizens?Or are they saying all of that just for namesake?
You decide.
My country is a place struggling to realize it’s potential, it is a place struggling to make use of it’s potential.
It’s not a bad or a good place.This isn’t some fantasy where heaven and hell exists.
You just need to open your eyes and face the reality. “Be the change you want to see in others.”