January 26: What defines a True Indian Patriot after 2016?

 

The first major national event of the year is upon us – 26 January or India’s Republic Day. On this day we promise to uphold and cherish the ideals laid down by the Indian Constitution and feel proud of the rich culture, and diversity the country holds within itself. Last year, was a specially trying time for the country, when Indians needed to be reminded/schooled/forced to understand patriotism. Based on those lines, this is what a True Indian is : 

 

 

Disclaimer: The article is not meant to offend Indians or others, intentionally or unintentionally and if you cannot take sarcasm, please don’t read further

 

1.   Now a true Indian is one who shows respect and stands up for the National Anthem, when played in cinema halls of the country. The move has been imposed on us by the Supreme Court. Earlier, a citizen felt pride in standing up for the National Anthem, today, he feels fear. A truer, bolder Indian patriot is one who will go to any lengths to make sure that no one disrespects the national flag or the anthem of the country and will beat, kick, fight with anyone who dares to disobey the rule. 

 

 

2.   Pakistan is, has and always will be the enemy of the India. Anyone who believes that there can be peace is a fool. Anyone who supports people from Pakistan, especially artistes, celebrities, is a traitor and ought to move their bag and baggage to Pakistan. A true Indian is one who will boycott all things Pakistani and nurture a deep hatred for the neighbouring country and its religion and lose no occasion to shout it out from the rooftops. 

 

 

3.  An Indian should never forget what the Army has done for its citizens. They guard the country in the freezing cold, blistering heat and stormy weather, so that a billion plus population can sleep safely within their homes. So when the Army is fighting (despite the fact that you are unaware of what goes on at the Border) a true Indian will not dance, celebrate, travel or watch films when these things are going on. If they do so, be prepared to be called anti-Indian and insensitive. Respect = Indian Army; shouting praises about them on one day and ignoring them the others.

 

 

4. When demonetisation was announced in the country in November 2016, the whole country was forced to stand in serpentine queues to deposit and withdraw money. It was the test of the true Indian, because demonetisation was supposed to be a cure for many ills that were plaguing the nation.  But when people complained against or died standing in lines to take out their money, that’s when we knew, they were not nationalistic Indians. Why? Because while such people could queue for cinema tickets, and concert tickets, liquor shops and Reliance Jio sims, when it came to standing in line for hours, missing their  work, it became too much to bear. I wonder why the poor kept complaining, wasn’t this whole exercise for their benefit?

 

 

5. A true Indian is one who loves his own state. Yes, states have become more important than India, constitution and Supreme Court combined. Today’s Indian is one who will fight for the promotion of their own state’s language, religion, custom, sport and more and if you don’t then you are not an ideal citizen.

 

Is this what India means now? Write in and tell us what being an Indian means to you today.