Rekindle feelings of patriotism

independence day

There is an African proverb that says, “wherever the birds fly to, they must come back home to roost when the sun heads for the sea.” In other words, in the current climate of globalisation and globetrotting, there is the temptation to believe that there are many alternative homes. You may have dual citizenship, be a full resident of the other country and enjoy the rights to fit in but the chance of fully belonging to a place as you would in your home country is very slim. There is always the need to connect with our land. East or West, home is just the place to be. And these are some of the reasons why being a patriotic citizen of this country is a must-do for each one of us.

From our athletes to our breath-taking tourist destination sites to our rich cultural histories, there is no doubt that Pakistan is a great country that should move us to work together and make it better. One way of doing this is through being patriotic – loving our country in the way only people who understand that they have no other home can and should.

Patriotism is the feeling of love, respect, and pride for one’s country. It is to unconditionally support and respect the nation. Patriotism develops naturally and is important for the protection of a country’s culture and historical heritage. It is to take pride in representing one’s nation.

Patriotism lies in our actions. It is the zeal with which we work towards the betterment of the nation. It is the pride that we feel in representing our nation. One who is ready to actively support his country and is ready to do anything for it is a patriot. It is the emotional attachment for the land where we are born and raised. Here are reasons why being patriotic is actually important.

Patriotism brings people together: A sense of solidarity and love for our country is a sentiment which binds. When we feel patriotic about our country, we are better placed to stand and rise against the differences that dent our country. It is a shared feeling and common goal to do what's best for the nation.

It promotes loyalty: Patriots are loyal to their motherland. It is like being loyal to the family. A family would break if we have internal disputes and are not loyal to one another. This includes paying taxes, obeying the laws, voting and being active to bring about social and economic welfare. It is standing up for views and ideas in favour of the community.

It refrains one from indulging in malpractices: The self-motivation that comes with being patriotic is also important in ensuring that the citizen upholds the law at all times, therefore making them a law-abiding citizen would most likely evade all possible elements of contravening the law through committing of offences. It automatically stops one from malpractices such as cheating on customers, paying less tax, seeking a bribe, exploiting the vulnerable, adding more water to the milk and other corrupt practices.

Patriotism makes us desire to push our country forward: Pakistan is a developing country and has its own set of challenges. You can visit other developed countries and enjoy their flawless customer service but deep inside, there is the knowledge that this development and this flawlessness is not really yours. It is only a feeling of love and respect towards your country that will push an individual to put in their best. Vanessa Raffaele writing for The Odyssey Online says that patriotism is not the belief that one’s country is not the best country under the sun but an awareness that is driven by both respect and love to push once country forward and see it flourish and realise all its potential.

Patriotism makes for a stronger nation: The act of patriotism and feeling patriotic are things which will make for a stronger nation. Not only will you be able to relate well to others in your shared love for this country but the more individuals who express their patriotic feelings, the stronger our country will be as a whole. Those who are patriotic will do what is right for our nation in the way of supporting efforts to make the country stronger and come together as a combined group with a common goal. That goal is to do what we can to keep the nation united and show solidarity for the good of our country.

A patriotic spirit is one of fortitude and strength: When you are patriotic, you are dedicated and strong. You exude a special fortitude in showing your dedication to achieve goals in the best interest of the country. Patriotism comes in all forms. Embracing patriotism will show much-needed support for our country and help to create a stronger, more unified nation.

How to celebrate Independence Day:

• Wear patriotic colours, flags or images. Nothing shows you love your country more than showing it through clothing or accessories. Flags, T-shirts, hats, bangles, badges, wrist bands - everything that is green is in the market and you can pick whatever you like. Wearing anything green reflects your patriotic sentiments for your country and can motivate others to do the same.
• Fly your country’s flag. You can purchase flags, bumper stickers, or any other emblems at a local store. Hang them on your car, your front lawn, or anywhere that can outwardly show you respect your country. Encourage the young ones to decorate your house with flags, banners, and balloons in connection with the spirit of this day. However, treat your national flag with the utmost respect. Learn the flag etiquette. Fold the flag properly when it’s being stored.
• Make good use of the occasion and cook authentic Pakistani food on your National Day. Invite family and friends over and celebrate independence in the most joyful manner.
• You can enjoy Independence Day’s evening by gather your friends and play some national songs related to 14th August. You can also go around with your friends and see the decorated buildings, especially illuminated for the occasion.
• Watch patriotic movies and dramas: It’s a holiday and how do you suppose to spend it? One of the best ways to spend your day is to watch movies or dramas related to independence with your children in a bid to inculcate feelings of patriotism in them from an early age.

– Compiled by You!