<p class="bodytext">I believe that patriotism is a virtue that transcends even the love or fear of God. It is a selfless devotion to one’s country and its people, a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the nation. When we love our country, we are not just expressing a sentiment; we are acknowledging the intricate web of relationships that gives our lives meaning.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Just as believers turn to God in times of trouble, one’s country and its people stand by you in moments of distress. Ordinary citizens, burdened with everyday life’s struggles, will rarely commit acts of treason. These are the people who genuinely love their country and its people.</p>.<p class="bodytext">‘You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop.’ This beautiful quote, attributed to the great Persian poet Rumi, illuminates the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting that within each of us lies a vast and boundless universe. Similarly, when we consider our nationality, we realise that it is not just a label, but a profound sense of belonging that binds us to our fellow citizens and our land.</p>.<p class="bodytext">If you are Indian like me, you are India in a teacup. Nationality binds us together and prevents us from fracturing. My love for my country makes me part of a family of 1.4 billion people. My country is why I exist, work, and play. Its traditions keep me on the righteous path, and its culture colours every aspect of my being—my language, customs, food, drink, attire, manners, attitude, celebrations, and ceremonies.</p>.<p class="bodytext">India is a land of several major religions and hundreds of castes and tribes, yet we are one nation, living in harmony with people of diverse origins. When you think about it, there is no greater sense of belonging than love for one’s country—not faith, family, or professional fraternity. The moment I declare, ‘I am proud to be Indian,’ over a billion people metaphorically stand by my side, ready to fight alongside me.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Even the unloved love their country. Patriotism is not merely cheering for your home team in a cricket match. It is a far deeper and more intense emotion—one that is gut-wrenching and enraging when violated. It can bring tears to a seasoned soldier’s eyes and melt the hardened heart of a misanthrope.</p>.<p class="bodytext">People who are not expressly patriotic are not necessarily traitors. Patriotism is not about blind allegiance; it is about feeling a sense of responsibility towards our fellow citizens and working towards the greater good.</p>
<p class="bodytext">I believe that patriotism is a virtue that transcends even the love or fear of God. It is a selfless devotion to one’s country and its people, a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the nation. When we love our country, we are not just expressing a sentiment; we are acknowledging the intricate web of relationships that gives our lives meaning.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Just as believers turn to God in times of trouble, one’s country and its people stand by you in moments of distress. Ordinary citizens, burdened with everyday life’s struggles, will rarely commit acts of treason. These are the people who genuinely love their country and its people.</p>.<p class="bodytext">‘You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop.’ This beautiful quote, attributed to the great Persian poet Rumi, illuminates the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting that within each of us lies a vast and boundless universe. Similarly, when we consider our nationality, we realise that it is not just a label, but a profound sense of belonging that binds us to our fellow citizens and our land.</p>.<p class="bodytext">If you are Indian like me, you are India in a teacup. Nationality binds us together and prevents us from fracturing. My love for my country makes me part of a family of 1.4 billion people. My country is why I exist, work, and play. Its traditions keep me on the righteous path, and its culture colours every aspect of my being—my language, customs, food, drink, attire, manners, attitude, celebrations, and ceremonies.</p>.<p class="bodytext">India is a land of several major religions and hundreds of castes and tribes, yet we are one nation, living in harmony with people of diverse origins. When you think about it, there is no greater sense of belonging than love for one’s country—not faith, family, or professional fraternity. The moment I declare, ‘I am proud to be Indian,’ over a billion people metaphorically stand by my side, ready to fight alongside me.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Even the unloved love their country. Patriotism is not merely cheering for your home team in a cricket match. It is a far deeper and more intense emotion—one that is gut-wrenching and enraging when violated. It can bring tears to a seasoned soldier’s eyes and melt the hardened heart of a misanthrope.</p>.<p class="bodytext">People who are not expressly patriotic are not necessarily traitors. Patriotism is not about blind allegiance; it is about feeling a sense of responsibility towards our fellow citizens and working towards the greater good.</p>
