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.