Skip to main content

Patriotism doubled?

I am a citizen - not one, but to two countries. And, proudly proclaim that it's a privelege.

My motherland, India. Growing up, one never felt that being patriotic is an emotion that was supposed to be exhibited in any way. Yes, there were Independence day celebrations, but never a thoughtful pause about the significance of the event. History books didn't do justice either. The only time that we showed an exuberance, was rooting wildly for our nation during cricket matches. That was then. Now, all that has changed.

After many years outside the country, my passion for the homeland has increased multi-fold. The joy that planning for a trip back home brings, the building of a bridge to catch up with relatives and friends. All in a weather that's as warm as it's people. And, ah, the excitement when the flight lands on the Indian soil - still the same, year after year.

Now, to the adopted home. First, to historic Boston. The initial years, it was just curiosity to explore a new place. No connection except the awe one felt walking down the downtown which reeked of history, a tribute to the freedom for struggle faced by this country. The famous universities that make the city proud. And, the colonial countryside, vineyards and the Cape. It took many years of stay to get a little attached to this land.

Then, came several visits to the Golden State. The sunny California. The tree-hugging, eco-friendly people, a vast landscape filled with nature, beckoned us to move. So, we did. After many years, the feeling slowly but surely started creeping that we're a part of this country. But, there was one day that it finally hit me. We were in a fourth of July parade in our city. I suddenly stared at the stars and stripes on the flag that i was proudly waving. That moment, it dawned that i loved this country as my own too.

So, how can you be patriotic about a land that can be called your homeland and a country that you have made a choice to adopt? Can you really shout 'Jai Hind' and 'God Bless America' with equal zeal and passion?

I think you can always do.....as long as you try to keep thy mind and heart - a bit open.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Mixed 'Masala'....(Part I)

The following content is purely a figment of my observation and is directly and intentionally connected to real life situations and people. So, if someone is offended, well....don't take it personal, relax, take a chill pill... Ok, after that loosely-construed disclaimer, on which I took a painstaking, laborious, thoughtful, five whole minutes to come up with....on to the main topic. I've waited for a while to ramble on what i've seen, heard and reasonably projected observations of my homeland and here it goes. On a serious note... - India can best be described as an old, rusty but still-working machine. Looks messy and cranky on the outside, but once you're in and get settled, one comes to realize that there's a vague sense of order and things do go in a strange, but definite pattern. I guess that's what keeps us going on and not disintegrated already into anarchy. - A country that's only 63 years young has still a viable, democractic government, seems ama
Read more

Human Needs and Relationships....Part 1

Let's admit it. All of us as adult humans have needs, wants and desires. At first, they have and will be at a basic sustenance level of food, shelter and clothing, and once that's done, it moves to many different elevations above. Also, it always starts with material things like money, car, house, job etc., then kids (and the heavy price tag that comes with them) etc. Think of it as the " taking " phase. At some point of life, when many hairs have been "grayed-and-dyed" after, we hopefully evolve to higher-order thinking like social work, helping/caring for others or spiritual quest etc. - basically, chucking the hugely inflated and egoistic "me and only me" out and replacing it with a big picture view of "what i can do for others", "how i can be useful to Mother Earth"  line of thought process. This would be the " giving " or " pay-back " phase. Sorry, life doesn't offer any free lunch, anytime, an
Read more

You and your compass....

Let's talk about what each and every one of us have within ourselves. That deep, down voice that tells us strongly what to do, not to do, what we ought to do but choose not to and regret later on with a "I-told-me-so", things that we wish to do but dare not try in our lifetime....you get the drift. Yes, it is that all-pervading, metaphorical inner compass, or the SatNavs of our lives that I'm getting into. Young adults  think they have an independent mind, and do and act that way. In reality, though, in most of the cases, it's not even of their own choice, but out of peer pressure. Which interestingly, brings a point- whose collective, mob voice is it then? If everyone is busy copying someone else doing the same, then who the heck started the fire? No clue, but let's assume for sanity's sake that some life form starts a trend which gets viral, bacterial, whatever. And, suddenly there's a strong urge that compels every youngster to do it
Read more