An Ideal Citizen
The progress and prosperity of
every country depends upon the percentage of ideal citizens that inhabit it.
The country the people of which are disregardful of its interest is generally
doomed to decay and decline.
It is a misfortune that our
country does not seem to be having a high percentage of ideal citizens.
Ideally, all the citizens of a country should be ideal citizens. For that, we
must try to understand the qualities of an ideal citizen.
An ideal citizen considers his
country above his personal interest. He knows:
Who lives if India dies?
Who dies if India lives?
Thus an ideal citizen is a
patriot to the backbone. He lives and dies for the country. But he does not
believe in narrow chauvinism, nor does he hate the people of other countries.
He believes in the policy of "Live and let live" and scorns
imperialism.
He applies the same principle to
his neighbours whom he loves and helps in time of need. He has malice towards
none. Jealousy, trickery, leg-pulling, back-biting are unknown to him.
An ideal citizen knows that the
efficiency of the government depends, inter alia, on the availability of funds
which it can utilize for welfare and constructive works. The greatest source of
funds to a government is the regular payment of taxes by the citizens. Hence an
ideal citizen pays his taxes regularly. He never hides his income. His business
transactions are neat and clean and he does not believe in evasion of sales
tax, excise, octroi etc. He abhors such practices as adulteration, corruption, nepotism,
black-marketing, smuggling, terrorism, communalism, provincialism etc. Besides
himself being on the right track, he encourages and inspires others to shun all
malpractices. He helps the government and the police in tracking down
anti-social elements and in furthering the causes of national integration and
maintenance of law and order.
An ideal citizen has a high civic
sense. He does not believe in wastage and luxurious life. Simplicity is the
hall-mark of his life. He is very considerate to his children, parents and
companions. He has a high sense of duty. He is not a shirker. He is not
addicted to any evil habits like drinking, smoking, drug-taking etc.
An ideal citizen. believes in the
democratic process. He casts his vote judiciously, fearlessly and without any
temptation. He also takes care of personal hygiene, health and nutrition. He
himself pursues his studies studiously and tries to spread the light of
education all around. To maintain his good health, he takes all the necessary
steps like walking, taking regular exercise, taking part in games etc. He makes
all out efforts to eradicate the evils of dowry system, child marriage etc.
from the society. He asks not what the country has done for him but only what
he can do for his country. In fact, he is an asset to the country, a beacon's
light to other citizens. The country is rightly proud of him.
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