Should Citizens Pin Their Patriotism Badge on Their Collar?

  •   Sat, Aug 13 2022
  •   By John B Monteiro

August 13, 2022

‘My patriotism is not an exclusive thing. It is all embracing and I should reject that patriotism which sought to mount upon the distress or exploitation of other nationalities’- Mahatma Gandhi

“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” – Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English writer and lexicographer (dictionary)

In the middle of the fortnight-long celebration of the 75th year of Independence there are many voices spewed out on the subject. One such is published in venerable The Times of India (TOI) dated August 12, 2022 - dispatched from Dehradun by Gaurav Talwar titled “Get pics of houses not hoisting tricolor: U’khand BJP chief”. It is reproduced below in toto.

Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt's remark at a public gathering that "people's nationalism can be questioned if they don't hoist the tricolour in their homes" during the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign triggered sharp condemnation from opposition parties and even local residents.

Videos of his statement have been widely circulated on social media.

Speaking at an event in Haldwani on Wednesday (10/8/22) as part of the Centre's 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to mark the 75th year of India's independence, Bhatt said, "People won't see owners of those houses with trust where the tricolour is not hoisted this Independence Day... Get me photographs of those houses where the tricolour is not hoisted. People would like to see who is a nationalist and who isn't."

He added: "Who can have a problem with hoisting the national flag at home? Nation can't trust those who don't hoist the country's flag."

Slamming Bhatt's "silly remark", former state Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal said, "Being the state president of a national party, he should think twice before saying something. Currently, I am on a tour to the hills and can see many homes not hoisting the tricolour, maybe due to their difficult financial conditions under the BJP rule."

Bhatt told TOI, "Congress has misconstrued my statement. It is now saying that people don't have money to buy the national flag. Tricolour is being provided by the government through different mediums and the party is also helping in it. I just said why anyone would have a problem in hoisting the national flag at their residence on Independence Day. And, if someone still prefers to not hoist the tricolour, he/she, irrespective of religion, caste and race, would not be trusted by the people of this country."

Senior Congress leader Karan Mahra also took a dig at the BJP over "RSS headquarters not hoisting the national flag for many years".

He said, "If the BJP state president's statement is to be believed, then no one should not trust RSS as well."

A senior Aam Aadmi Party leader, who wished not to be named, said, "Uttarakhand is a hill state and people might not get the national flag at remote locations. Such statements (by BJP) are most unfair on the common people."

As I said initially I am serving this report without any embellishments.

The subject is open to many views. What are yours? Your response is invited in the format given below (Pl, scroll down a bit). Welcome to Reason.

 

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By John B Monteiro
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Comment on this article

  • Evans C Sumitra, Udupi/New York, USA.

    Wed, Aug 17 2022

    Rita, Germany, I have no words to express on your comments. It is full of meaning and a touching example to many. Well commented.

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Aug 16 2022

    When I hear these Politicians say ,tricolour Flag in every house on Independence day . flag hoisting is ok ,I understand and naturally one citizen should show his Patriotism and remember the day .But compulsory a flag in house doesnt bring much and no sense .It doesnt fill your stomach ,you have to go to work.Patriotism badge on your collar ?Does it bring money to drink a tea?From where you get money for it when you dont have job?Patriotism is when one honours flag without putting under feet or not burn ,or holding high and bows his head towards it.Never dishonour it by dirt or simply bad words towards Nations flag .I find Not misusing it as a dress or other ways.Hope what happens next year.National flag should be higher than other flags when any there .Thats the most respected flag then.


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