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.
