Who is a True Patriot in Our Time?

I do not know definitively. Patriotism, in my mind, is best defined by novelist Patrick OBrien through the words of Dr. Stephen Maturin in Master and Commander.

But you know as well as I that patriotism is a word and one that generally comes to mean either my country right or wrong, which is infamous, or my country is always right, which is imbecile.

However, perhaps this definition is too harsh. Perhaps a more balanced perspective is that a patriot is one who recognizes the debt they owe to the country they live in for the rights and benefits they derive as a result of living there.

Patriot: A Person Who Vigorously Supports Their Country

To me, a patriot is someone who is willing to support their country, defend it against enemies, and speak out against those who detract from its values. This definition aligns with the commonly understood term:patriot, which is someone who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it.

Bravery and Moral Integrity

For instance, John Cena, Clint Eastwood, and Kid Rock are often seen as national symbols and icons. Defending national honor and standing up for what is right are part of their roles as public figures.

A patriot fights for what they believe is right. They stand up against injustice, regardless of whether the perpetrator is part of their religion, caste, or political party. If you are a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (Congress), or Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) supporter, speak up when your party members indulge in violence, corruption, or the abuse of power. Refuse to be part of the crowd if the direction is wrong.

Responsibility and Humaneness

Be the human being you want others to be. When you see something, do something or at least say something. Don’t close your eyes to the world around you. For example, if you see an accident victim lying on the road, don’t walk away. If a mob is assaulting a defenseless person, raise your voice, no matter how softly.

Ethical Standards and Fiscal Responsibility

When you witness corruption among your relatives or friends, express disapproval gently when you can. Don’t give them a free pass. Don’t discriminate against people based on how they look, which language they speak, or the color of their skin. Uphold the guidelines of human righteousness and fairness.

Taxation and Hard Work

Pay your taxes and work hard and sincerely. These actions may be challenging, just as challenging as facing the machine gun of an enemy soldier at the Line of Control (LOC). Being a patriot is not easy; it is harder than firing a bullet or facing one.

A patriot does not necessarily have to wear a military or police uniform, wave the Indian flag, or aspire to be an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. A true patriot stands up for what is right, fights their own fears, and sacrifices something for what is dear to them.

In conclusion, being a true patriot is about more than just national symbols or superficial actions. It is about living a life of moral integrity, courage, and responsibility for the greater good of one's country.