Hello people
I have been thinking of penning down my thoughts for a long time now, so finally I've decided to write them down. I would like to share, on this occasion of 70th Independence Day, what I feel about nationalism, patriotism and what we, as an individual or group, can achieve. What I want to discuss does not define what nationalism or patriotism is, for that is quite subjective and I don't want to get into that. Most of you who would be reading this, I am sure, are in a position to think, analyze and conclude on any given topic. So I would request you all to give a thought to what I am about to say.
It has been 70 years since independence and so many politicians have come and gone promising reforms which would help to uplift the society as a whole. But what I have observed, for most of the part, that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. In my opinion the primary cuplrit here is the lack of basic necessacities. I will take one very familiar (and controversial) example, reservation. This facility was supposed to uplift the impoverished communities to the main stream, right? But, just be honest, how much of it has acually worked? I know improvements are there, but as a whole it has failed. The reason is a very simple one, if the said communities actually start progressing, these politicians would have nothing left to chew on and garner votes. Also, if these people are educated beyond a certain level, they will see through the veil and understand what the politicians are thinking. Now, lets forget the politicans for a while and assume this system is a good one, then what do you feel is lagging? If you ask me, the lag is at basic level. You see, providing reservations in education and job is good only IF one can actually gather that much education. There aren't many who, despite being from poor background, try to, or even know how to get minimal qualificaitons for such education/jobs. You may have heard (if you have been to, or belong to some village) that xyz kid is very good at studies, and then 5-10 years down the line, she/he has either given up studies, or hasn't reached the level of success that he could.
So, what can be the solution? Let's face it, we can't do anything regarding these politicians because such tactices have been encoded in the DNA of Indian politics. That one is, therefore, out for the count. The only thing that we can control is our own actions and here comes what I feel about patriotism, nationalism. In my opinion, one will be true patriot/nationalist if he gives his best towards the country. It includes doing one's job with full committment and giving back to the society. I am sure, all you readers do your jobs in the best way possible, so coming to the second part, which many of you may not be doing or even if you wanted to, may not know where to begin.
Some of you may be donating regularly to some NGOs/Groups responsible for taking care of or educating underprivileged people. But I am requesting for something more. I would suggest we should take at least one child under our mentoring and provide her/him with moral support and guidance needed to take her/him to her/his dream. Young minds are fertile fields, one can grow anything on them. I don't think this is a full time job, or that one needs to meet this child everyday. But periodic meetings, some teaching, keeping a track of progress and helping with information and guidance required will be good enough. At lease the child will know that if she/he needs some help, where she/he needs to look for.This, dear friends, is the best thing, in my opinion, one can give back to society. Imagine how quich the transformation would be, if everyone decides to mentor at least one child! And that too, is possible even with the current political, social scenario! This will be "Azaadi" in true sense.
Cheers!
