Every August 15, the news channels tap into the general flavor of patriotism with specials on the movement, glorious fighters who died for the freedom of the motherland and the gems that were the songs of yesteryears that remind us of the sacrifice. There are street children at every crossing on Aug 13 onwards- whether in a rainstorm or scorching heat- they rush at the cars to sell national flags made of plastic- to earn their target of Rs 50 a day. Film channels run the films made on the spirit of patriotism. The newspapers charter the road to freedom and the years since then. The whole nation- politicians included, talk of how much they love the country and what it means to them. Aug 17. The front page of a popular daily talks of the level of corruption in the country, under the garb of the Common Wealth games, and how the CWG could turn into a worldwide embarrassment for the country, It’s a complete turn-around from the ‘proud’ statements being made just two days before.
Why is it, that patriotism is always conditioned- coming to the fore just on select 4 days in a year? Are we proud of sacrifices, and hold them dear only then? When corruption is being thrown to the limelight, is not the sacrifice and hardships of yesteryears being ridiculed? Should children not be freed of the struggle to live and be provided meals and education, through the year??? Then why is that these promises, and the very thought comes to the people in power only on Independence Day?
There are a lot of people here who want to take the responsibility of improving situations- but then we get steamrollered by those who look at only their personal advantage being in the corridors of power. Its appalling when we have double faced politicians wishing the citizens a happy Independence Day- when the independence really is curtailed by them. It is a disgusting example of this trait where the documents of the Emergency in India have gone missing. What is even stranger is that it took an RTI filing for the powerful to realize this.
The satire that is Peepli Live! showcases the indifference and selfish nature of Indians as a whole- I would not blame the media alone- the selfish nature could as well be the result of circumstances and majboori of their (our) very existence. But the struggle to survive is just so endearing, that it tends to overshadow everything else. Watching the film on Independence Day, brought in perspective the ideal vs the real.
Yes we are proud of the past. Is it not our duty to then uphold that honor, instead of just celebrating it? We need to understand the rural areas are a part of us and not to be marginalized. When farmers die, its because we, who are better off than them, do nothing to ease their plight. And yes, making Yojanas is no answer. Its high time that we take the reins in our hands. Criticizing like always is never an answer. Lets pick up the weapons we possess- will power, the pen, and determination to change what we believe is wrong.
Lets then celebrate Independence.
8 comments:
Really nice...
I completely agree with this.
thanks saumya for authoring the sentiments of so many of us. brilliantly well written.
Are you criticizing the media or the readers? I dont think we are any different from any other country in the world. We're a young nation and so given to feelings of patriotism a few times a year. But functional roads, schools, infrastructure, full tummies etc are not about patriotism. Its about humanity and efficiency. The time has gone to be driven by feelings of love for the nation-state. Lets each f us just do the best that we can in life. And let us teach our children and peers to be sensitive to those who are "different" from us, whether by economic status, religion, caste or bent of mind. I love the passion with which you write, though!! Keep it going!
@Mukta didi- Thanks for reading! I completely agree with you. Its upto us to make people understand. Am not blaming the media or the readers. What I am not okay with, is the sporadic feel of patriotism that we feel as a people!
@Boss and Nitika, Thank You so much for reading. The encouragement keeps me going :)
Hates it when people switch back to angrezi blog titles.
never been a patriot, don't want to be one either. Borders are but lines drawn by the most primeval instinct of animals. to mark territory. it used to be done with piss. now the piss is nuclear. no other change. I'd rather we have no days celebrating India and more days celebrating us as humans
it has always been pleasure reading ur blogs den b it on lit, cinema or some realities like this which has always been observed bt articulated by few like u :)
Patriotic fever getting highlighted at few occasions use to give jitters too....but now seeing the d support n unity of ppl against corruption all over India really makes me feel dat though the love for the motherland comes once a week in a year but it is there in deeply rooted in the hearts of each and every Indians which unites us at need of time
Nirmal, I wish it could be that simple really :) Pooja, Thanks for reading :) However, at the current time with the rallying around Lokpal, I feel that many people are following the 'Anti-corruption, and anti-government' clause more than the actual Bill. I do hope that everyone makes informed decisions, which hardly happen in the country. However, as a start, its definitely one. Thanks for your views :)
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