It takes thousands of years of hard work to build a civilization and will take a journey into infinity to build a nation as it will always be a continuous process. A modern India which is a secular nation based on the principles of Justice, Equality, Liberty and Fraternity evolving higher on the strong foundation of patriotism.
One India, Great India: Patriotism, Nation Building and the rise of “Naya Bharat”
“I do not want that our loyalty as Indians should be in the slightest way affected by any competitive loyalty whether that loyalty arises out of our religion, out of our culture or out of our language. I want all people to be Indians first, Indian last and nothing else but Indians.”
― B. R. Ambedkar, Writings And Speeches: A Ready Reference Manual
On 15th August, 2022 at 8.44 HRS members of Tetso Mountaineering Club of Tetso College hoisted a TIRANGA on the top of Mt. Saramati- a jewel, pride and prestige of Nagaland for the very first time in the history in the most challenging circumstances. The act was a classic representation of gallantry, determination, leadership, sacrifice and also the ultimate patriotism- as nobody dares to climb Mt Saramati in the rainy season, nobody ‘ever’ hoisted a Tiranga on 15th August with a National Salute and National Anthem at 3841 Meters height on top of great Saramati. This unique incident of unparalleled courage, passion and patriotism of Naga students inspired me to write this article. New Nagaland is rising with a rising “Bharat”. We are the eye witness to this revolution.
“India the cradle of human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grandmother of tradition”. Let us start our discussion by saluting the words of “Mark Twain”. India respects all religions with a strong secular culture. When our country depicts to the world that we believe in divinity and not in imperialism then this nation cultivates peace and harmony for the whole world and sets on a journey of nation building process channelized by the great power of patriotism with a vision to build a society based on the values of Justice, Equality, Liberty and Fraternity.
The Dictionary defines Patriotism as, “a love for one’s own country with an earnest desire to contribute towards the welfare of countrymen” HOWEVER when we see patriotism in the light of Indian context it takes a bigger form and gives a meaning in a larger perspective since in that it would not just mean to love your own country but the entire humanity as a whole. Patriotism is an actual spirit that seeks supreme sacrifice for our country and enables as a step forward for doing our bit for our country, for all of us patriotism is an emotional attachment to the mother country.
Patriotism is commonly misunderstood as only giving a life to the country, only for fighting; that is not true. We should be willing to give our life if the country needs it but that does not mean that there are no other acts of patriotism. In the pre-independence era when our country was colonized, that time show of patriotism mainly meant fighting for the country’s independence. Today our country needs work in the field of health and education, sanitation & cleanliness, empowerment of women and socially deprived classes, poverty alleviation, social justice, economic empowerment of the masses, these are the areas where we need to contribute for the nation. We should protect our borders and our resources. As I am writing here now, our Army is protecting us, risking their life for our country. That is an ultimate act of patriotism which we should acknowledge and get inspired from.
Also, when we look into nation building, it is a multi-dimensional concept and it involves an active participation of its citizens through various walks of life. In short we can say that patriotism and nation building are two sides of the same coin. A strong and powerful nation is built on dedication and hard work of its citizens and some amount of smart planning from the part of the Government. We have studied many revolutions in the history of different countries like the French Revolution of 1789 where “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”- the slogan that empowered “patriotism” flourished the whole world. The American Independence-at that time, Thomas Jefferson had stated that “the tree of liberty requires transformation from time to time through the blood of patriots’ ‘, The Russian Revolution, The Technological Revolution of the Japanese, this is how Patriotism and the Nation Building has got its global perspective. Then there is an Indian perspective of patriotism and nation building. In Ramayana, the Rama says that “Janani Janmabhumischa swargadapi gariyasi”, which means “My mother and my mother country depicts to the world that they are greater than the heavens itself”. Even the great Teacher and Scholar Chanakya in his masterclass work called “Arthshastra ” clearly defines a concept called patriotism and nation building. His formulations are “Rajarshi” (Sage, Wise Ruler) and “Dharmaraja ” (Righteous Ruler) concepts. In 10th century AD a person called “Shukracharya ” had denoted a book called “Nitisara” in Nitisara a core conduct of nation building and patriotism is clearly defined, this is the Indian school of thought.
Every nation should have icons who have selflessly served the nation. When we go through the timeline of Indian history lots of faces have made commendable contributions in patriotism and nation building. The great revolt of 1857 gives us Mangal Pandey, sacrifices of Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and the Indian National Movement led by Mohandas Gandhi had institutionalized patriotism. Even the lines of Rabindranath Tagore “Where the head is held high and where the mind is without fear” gives immense pleasure and inspiration to every Indian. The foundational framework of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the formulations of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru undoubtedly made India a role model in the nation building process in the whole world.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was asked, “In the nation of 1.25 billion population what I as an individual can do for the nation-building”, Dr Kalam had said that, “whatever role you are playing today, whatever work you are doing if you do that with utmost sincerity, with utmost dedication towards it that will be your contribution to the nation building. If you are a teacher, teach with such a passion, such a zeal, enthusiasm, feel that the child which you are teaching today will develop the potential to become a role model for his society tomorrow, he will be a national leader tomorrow and that will be a contribution as a teacher to nation-building”.
However, despite the challenges like social ghettoism, regionalism, extremism, social injustice-casteism/racism, religious polarization, corruption that patriotism and nation building faces today, like the soldier in war marches on regardless of situation and circumstances – we “The People of India” will march on with a strength and determination to continue to build the nation. This is also the message that is being echoed loudly by the TIRANGA which is still wavering high and proud at 25.7404° N, 95.0370° E-the site of the Border Pillar Number 138 on top of Mt. Saramati.
Our National Heroes-The “Mahavir” Late Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, MVC, Late Naik Nikhuni Mao, Late Riflemen- K. Ashuli Mao, Lukhubi Sema, Alalmba Ao, Y Nokte, Dule Luwang, Kumar Rangmei, H Konyak, AS Ringphami must all be feeling really proud in their abode in “heaven”.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr. Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Dr. Putchong Thai, Dr. Jenny Lalmuanpuii, Rinsit B Sareo, and Kvulo Lorin.
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