Patriotism has acquired in the recent years a new definition in our country. A few people, who claim to be more patriotic than others, are engaged in large scale violence across the country on the pretext of teaching their detractors a lesson. Strangely, the law enforcing agencies are not taking cognizance of these people who are taking the law in their hands, which serves only narrow personal interests. Rather the agencies are busy framing charges against those who are resisting the so-called followers of ‘neo patriotism.’ We have mentioned in this very space that democracy is not all about winning elections. It is all about providing justice to citizens including the last one standing in the queue. Unfortunately in our country these “neo patriots” are getting all the advantages including legal protection, while the protesting voices are being silenced by coercive means.
Many such incidents of silencing people who refuse to dance to the tunes of the ‘neo patriots’ have taken place in the recent times. Famous personalities, places of worships, and some communities, have been attacked even on the slightest pretext, and termed traitors. Yet, anyone of them has yet to be punished for the crimes they committed. Take the example of the person who killed a migrant labour, filmed the entire incident, and termed the act as a protest against ‘love jihad.’ The fact is that the poor migrant labour was not even distantly connected with any incident of ‘love jihad.’ The killer was a frustrated man: In an effort to hog limelight, he did it; that fact is well-established by an enquiry that was conducted after the incident. But the man, who was put behind bars for such a horrific and barbaric crime, received much support from his friends, who are also willingly violating the Indian Constitution. Even more, the offender, who is in jail since committing the crime, is issuing regular sermons — and it is being circulated widely through social media. If a murderer receives such a support, it is not difficult to realise that something is seriously wrong with the society.
Patriotism is not a weapon to suppress the opposition. Patriotism is not for people to come into prominence. Patriotism is not a tool to win elections. Patriotism is unquestioned love for the motherland. Patriotism means being ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of motherland. Patriotism is love for fellow citizens and stand beside them during times of need. We have seen many patriots. They are known to be patriots by virtue of their love for the country and compassion for fellowmen and countrymen. They sacrificed everything, even their lives, to make our nation stronger. They were against draconian and oppressive laws. They were never against their own people, no matter whether or not they supported their views. Nowadays though, we are seeing just the opposite. Creating divisions among the people appear to be the mantra of these ‘neo patriots.’ Fratricidal killings appear to be the shortest route to fame. Clearly, these acts will spell doom for our tolerant and pluralistic society, which has earned a unique place for India in the world. If these ‘neo patriots’ are not punished at the earliest, India will definitely lose its place of glory among the progressive nations of the world.
