Seasonal patriotism

It seems to be a controversial issue as to how different people celebrate patriotism. Some Indians celebrate it by putting up statuses and dps, reminding others about the greatness of our country, while some celebrate it by vowing for a better India for our fellow citizens. However, there is one common thing between the different kinds of patriots, the 'seasonal' love we bear for our country.

It might feel anti-patriotic and pessimistic for me to criticize Indians even at the time of a nationwide celebration of our 75th Independence Day, however, to understand that our responsibility to change our country lies within us, a little bit of a banter is necessary :)

August and January are the two months when you'll suddenly the tricolor popping up wherever you see. From offers to Company deals, from different politicians trying to gain votes to businessmen trying to gain profit, you'll see our tricolor being useful everywhere! They may or may not have done anything profitable for our country, but their profit is the only thing they need. Us being gullible, believe their cunningness as patriotism, and give in to their ideas.

These two months, we suddenly seem to remember every freedom fighter's name by heart. We don't need to worry about remembering them too much, since we'll all forget it by the next month! The flags we bought for that one day will also be seen on the streets the very next day. 

Wait! How could I forget the sudden urge of love we finally feel for our country, when someone achieves something on an international level? Most of us do not even know, let alone support, a competitor, until they have achieved someone on an international level. How do we feel the right to celebrate these achievements when we did not provide any support for such? 

We simply forget that patriotism is a feeling or an action, that cannot be instilled, but should be imbibed. 

This is simply a portrayal of the hypocrisy we bear inside us, myself included. 

To truly be patriotic, and to truly love, support, and respect our country, we need to keep it in our hearts, minds, and actions everytime we do something. India is a beautiful creation of different kinds of people, with differing opinions, looks, cultures, faiths or languages. To celebrate India, is to celebrate these differences. To support India, is to support these differences, and to love India, is to love these differences. 

Let us all promise to understand the beauty of our country, and to initiate the change we need in our society.

Jai hind!

P.S: The irony of me saying 'Jai hind' only here is also a great example! XD