Jammikunta... a daily pause for a cause

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Our motherland is as diverse in its customs and practices as it is with individual and collective social values. Some people despise others’ patriotic or nationalistic fervor. Despite staying outside for two decades, I am on that side of the fence where people cherish these values and naturally the news about Jammikunta gave me a pleasant feeling.

Jammikunta is situated in Karimnagar district, about 140 km from Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana. Life comes to a halt every day at 8 a.m. as people pause for a minute to sing the national anthem. This has become a daily routine of the people in this sleepy town since 15 August 2017, following an initiative by a local police inspector.

After many centuries of subjugation by foreign invading forces, I strongly feel there is a need for a nationalistic approach to reclaim our lost identity. Without a strong identity, I am afraid there will be no we tomorrow but for our shadows.

At this point someone might bring the statement made by the great English writer Samuel Johnson’s statement to the table as a counter argument.

"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel."

The context of this comment is unknown so we don't really know for sure what was on Johnson's mind at the time. His friend and biographer, James Boswell however, assures that when Johnson made this famous pronouncement, he referred only to false patriotism. As for Boswell’s credentials, his biography of Samuel Johnson, is commonly said to be the greatest biography written in the English language.

I am optimistic that as respect grows, we shall evolve as a stronger as individuals as well as civic societies. 







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Comments

  1. Durga Prasad DashMay 31, 2019 at 5:20 AM

    Unlike India, many countries of the world, have many other factors (religion, language, common ancestry etc.) to unite them besides a common geographical boundary. But our case is different. India is one of the most diverse countries. Earlier many hidden forces were working to divide India. Now these forces have come out in open. Unfortunately, even some political leaders are coming out openly against the sovereignty of India just so that they can garner more votes from particular sections. In such a scenario, efforts like the village of Jammikunta could be the need of the hour.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vinay NagarajuJune 1, 2019 at 11:27 PM

    It is inspiring to know that people make a dedicated time slot to that. It is habits like these which inculcate a nice behaviour.

    Intrigued with the quote - patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. I had heard this for politics. Interested and curious to know what perspective this quote was uttered in.

    ReplyDelete

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