As we have just celebrated our country’s 75th Independence Day anniversary, Nationalistic fervour is still in our system, it seems apt to talk about this fervour and how it has come about. The origin of the term ‘patriotism’ comes from the Greek word, ‘Patriotes’ that means fellow countrymen. The term was used for barbarians who were perceived to be either uncivilized or primitive who had only a common fatherland.
By definition, patriotism means the vigour and support brought out by one’s love for their country. But what is patriotism? Some people believe it to be this set of mindless actions which have become routine and have no meaning. But others believe that patriotism is a deeply felt feeling, and these actions which seem routine are the only ways we express these feelings and emotions.
Michael Bader, A sociologist, describes the relationship between one and a country similar to that of a child needing a family. The demand for protection and idealisation of authority arises from an individual's reliance on support systems for survival. Children grow up with a basic sense of security and the ability to rely on others when their parents are protective and reasonable. Children grow up with a basic sense of insecurity and difficulties trusting others when parents fail to protect them and apply their authority in arbitrary, threatening, or inconsistent ways.
Many countries such as India derive patriotism as a retaliation against the British. During the colonial period, the country was divided into British-controlled regions and distinct kingdoms ruled by Indian monarchs. Instilling patriotism in the masses through newspapers like Harijan and Bande Mataram, pamphlets disseminated state-wide, books, movies, and music aided the process of fighting for independence and motivating Indians for the freedom war. Patriotism not only sparked political will among Indians but also helped the country unite against a shared foe: British colonial control. The same patriotic passion that enabled the country to attain independence in 1947 and survive the anguish of partition was essential in cementing a national identity that colonialism had fought to destroy for generations. In the years that followed, patriotism was embedded in society, from artists releasing films on national pride to schools demanding daily singing of the national anthem. While the desire to be a part of a bigger whole is a natural human inclination that has benefitted India greatly in the past, it may be time to reconsider what patriotic enthusiasm does today.
According to Tom Smith, director of social research organisation NORC’s Centre for the Study of Politics and Society, any country that is formed from independence from a rule will always have loyal and patriotic citizens. But at times, this patriotic fervour might be too high.
When the Supreme Court ruled in 2016 that the national anthem must be played in all theatres and that moviegoers must stand and show their patriotism, there were multiple cases where self-proclaimed vigilantes beat up those who refused to comply with the regulation. At the time, a Kerala film club opposed the practice, pointing out the false equivalence between an "outward show of respect" and a "real emotion of regard." As of Jan 2018, it is no longer compulsory to stand up for the national anthem. But it is still a rare sight to see someone sit down during a national anthem. The question to be asked is, are they doing this out of fear, routine, or genuine patriotic fervour.
The Indian government is a democratic one. Fundamental rights take precedence in a functional and thriving democracy like ours. All people have the right to freedom of speech and expression, according to Article 19(1)(a). The fundamental duties enumerated in Part IVA of the constitution are not enforced solely through judicial declarations. They should be backed up by parliamentary law. They can only provide a moral and ethical foundation for people' actions, but they cannot be enforced through legal decisions. In a democratic system, basic rights always take precedence over fundamental responsibilities.
Patriotism is a feeling toward one's country. As a result, various people express it in different ways. Furthermore, some people believe it is inappropriate to display patriotic sentiments in public places such as movie theatres and universities, which are both cradles of liberty and free speech.
Demanding that law-abiding persons demonstrate their patriotism by doing specific acts suffocates our political system's democratic spirit.
By : Abhiram Gunna
留言