Patriotism Redefined

What is the first thought that enters our conscious mind when we are made to ponder on the word "patriotism" ? I am still endeavoring to grapple with the dilemma- what is it? Is it making yourself useful for your nation? Or devoting your own self to your country through your thought process? Or is it going to a cricket stadium with your face dipped in the colors of the national flag and cheering for your country through banners depicting your fascination for the players? The word, though, apparently simple, necessitates a herculean effort to get its meaning unlocked.

This is something that struck me hard when the World Cup fever was on. I am an Indian by nationality and as a consequence, it's "mandatory" for me to support the Indian cricket team, to prove my "patriotism" for the nation. Absolutely ludicrous. Sport is something which a nation's boundary cannot separate. But we, the "Indians" don't waste a single second in adulterating with the dirty politics, as was rampant before the India-Pakistan semi final clash. Pakistan cricket team does not make it to even my "favorite" list, yet it was disheartening to see the media terming the clash of the titans as some sort of official "war" , "cricket diplomacy" and generating all sorts of worthless hype. No doubt, the "Indians" were enjoying that.

I am an ardent fan of Australian cricket team. And why cannot I be? Of course, they have perched on the top as champions, dominated the sport for almost a decade. My admiration for such a team is not illogical. Reasons and evidences are ample to support my cause. But for my acquaintances, friends and relatives, supporting any other nation except India is a sin in itself. There was no shortage of derogatory remarks on Ponting as well as me after India registered a comprehensive victory against Australia in the quarters. They were showing their "patriotic" colors before a person who according to them can be aptly tagged as "The Ultimate traitor", "An Anti-National."

People do not mind selling their brains to foreign nations, foreign companies but they do gain a sense of patriotism when Indian cricket team plays a match. We are least concerned what is going on in our own backyard; in our own surroundings, (leave alone at a bigger level)- because that's not included in the "PATRIOTISM" chapter.( As a personal experience, I was shocked to find a graveyard in my college during the technical festival. For students, it was "officially" a mini- vacation of 4 days). It is irrelevant whether we contribute to our nation in any productive manner or not, as long as we have "Indian flags" painted on our faces with banners praising the greatness of GOD Sachin and Captain Cool Dhoni, we are patriotic.