INTEGRAL PATRIOTISM

INTEGRAL PATRIOTISM

Devotion to our country is deeply rooted in our nature. It is a source of power and strength, inspires noble ideals and heroic sacrifices. Loyalty to country gives sublimity  to a man’s character. The word “freedom” is not to be taken lightly. And “politics” is not a bad word. “Politics” is a good word. It enables us to have the good of the nation and community at heart. To be political is effectively to desire a community that is wholesome, healthy and secure. And for that we must have the freedom to talk about and decide any issue that affects these purposes. This is patriotism; and it has nothing to do with an exclusive nationalism, any more than loving one’s mother implies despising other mothers. Our country plays a role in the ensemble of nations, which is greater than itself. Today, especially, we must ensure that the call up of patriotic feeling is not based on selfish retreat nor identifying the nation with one particular form of religious persuasion. It is within our country and through it that we must work for the world’s renewal. Such action presupposes that our country exists and is in robust health, which in turn supposes moral discipline. Corrupt individuals do not make for a strong nation. And even this is not enough, for a country that wants to be strong must also be loved. And our love for India is not real unless it bear fruit in fair treatment for all its citizens, whoever they may be.

While to the present leaders we pledge our co-operation, and pray for their ongoing conversion, we recall with affection the leaders who have died, so also our brave soldiers who have shed their blood on the field of battle. A nation that forgets its past has no future and deserves none. The future, as far as we can see, is shadowed in trials, and calls on our courage. But the best stories of heroes are about those striding bravely into an unknown tomorrow that is fraught with risks.  So, trusting in one another’s loyalty and, above all, in the God of exodus, who will lead us, we march with firm hearts and strong steps, for we “have many miles to walk and many promises to keep.”