Patriotism

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," says Dr.Johnson. In the modern world where the cunning selfish people thrive and the hard-working conscientious people suffer, the quotation holds good. The corrupt few pass for great patriots and hold the entire nation to ransom.

However, all people are not like this. Most of the people are patriotic by nature. They are only allured and misled by the crafty politicians. Ever since man appeared on this earth, he has loved the land of his birth, his native land. The place where we spend our childhood and youth, looks attractive to us. We cherish its mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, fields, trees and gar-dens. We like the culture of our country and the habits and manners of our compatriots. Their very clothes, living and eating habits look charming to us. That is why, Sir Walter Scott, the famous poet of Scotland has said,

"Breathes there the man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land?"

Unfortunately, we the Indians lack patriotic feelings. We give preference to religions, regional and parochial thought. Our centuries long slavery was the result of the mutual fights, emanating from lack of patriotism. Even at present our youths are misled by the crafty neighbouring powers and instigated to destabilize our country and spread lawlessness all around.

India has a very old and grand civilization and culture. We should be proud of it. She has given birth to some of the greatest men in the history of the world. She has made tremendous progress after independence and has vast resources to be one of the world powers. She is the greatest democracy in the world. Let us appreciate her unity in diversity and respect people of all religious, castes and communities. Let us give social and economic equality, health and education to all and work together to make India strong.