Meaning changed

Patriotism has acquired a different connotation: instead of willingness to sacrifice for love of the country, it is equated with unquestioning loyalty to the ruling elite. Isn’t not paying one’s tax unpatriotic Isn’t patronising the mafia — land mafia, coal mafia, mining mafia, just to name only a few — not anti-national To be patriotic also means to feed, clothe, provide shelter and educate all the country’s population. After all definition is the tipping point, and it all depends on one’s perspective and ideological moorings. One should ponder over issues of secularism and patriotism with a dispassionate mind.

V.P. Jain

Via email

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