What is Patriotism to me?

Patriotism, a powerful word which symbolizes the integrity & love one has for the country & the land of his/her identity. Over the history, different people under different situations have capitalized on this sentiment. This sentiment has at times resulted in gaining political & economic freedom, but has also resulted in the bloodshed of the innocent. Defending our borders, representing the national team, building a bomb, making policies, making a rocket, etc are evident acts of patriotism. But patriotism also lies in smaller acts. Paying taxes on time, adhering to rules, respecting an individuals freedom, treating women with respect & children with love, casting ones vote, standing against injustice; are but some aspects of patriotism in daily lives. Patriotism cannot become a feeling only expressed on days of nationalism, but it has to become a way of life. The act of being unpatriotic is also very common. Actions which threaten the security of a country need not be the only act of anti patriotism. Being deaf, mute & dumb to corruption, criminal acts, injustice, malnutrition, human rights, racism, religious extremism, etc are also equally anti national. So what is patriotism to me? To me, the answer lies in a simple question, a question which I have asked myself & acted upon, What can I do that benefits my country & how do I make my country better than the rest? To me patriotism has always meant responsibility, ownership, sacrifice, perseverance to makes sure that things can be made better. Patriotism has also meant setting goals and doing everything possible to make it happen. To me patriotism is beyond loving my country blindly. Its meant identifying the strengths and strengthen it further & also identify the weakness & act upon it to nullify it. I believe that the sense of patriotism will get stronger only when we get back our self belief & let go the traces of self doubt & self regression instigated by two centuries of foreign rule. Nature has not made anything perfect, evolution continues, so is our country. India is not a perfect country, but the love for our country must fill us with enough enthusiasm, courage & responsibility to make this country a better place to live. This sentiment of love must also empower us to act in a way that commands the worlds respect & acceptance as a political, economic, cultural, spiritual & a military superpower. This centurys patriotism calls for rising together as one single country against corruption, injustice & everything that makes us a weaker nation. Patriotism is not an act but a way of life, its who we are. ~ Rakesh.S