[tgs]

Patriotism has been wrongly understood by most of the people. This can be due to the influence of certain so-called-nationalist parties/organization, which has given totally a wrong idea.

Truly patriotic means following certain principles, which brings pride and prosperity to the people of their country.
Most of the hypocrites who claim themselves to be nationalists define patriotism by just giving lengthy speeches usually bashing other non-friendly nations. They have their own set of right-wing/ fascist/ sectarian ideologies which creates discord and disharmony among citizens. They can go to any extent even harming their own harmless fellow citizens, who disagree/ oppose their ideologies.

...The fanatics who spread violence in the name of religion are worse than terrorist and more dangerous than an alien enemy... (Quoted in the Supreme Court judgment in the Best Bakery Case)

Every normal individual, following the following principles is a real patriotic.

1. Having Ethics as the basic principle

2. Integrity/ honesty/ truthfulness

3. Understand their responsibility in the society and carry out them diligently.

4. Respect to the laws & rules. (Ex.--- Like following all the traffic rules even if the policeman is not there.)

5. Respect to the rights or concern for other fellow citizens. (Ex.--- Don’t smoke in public places, when others are around, stop playing music loud at your home/shop, it can disturb your neighbours).

6. Not accepting bribe is OK. Do not also give bribe. The one who gives is also as much guilty as the one who accepts. The giver encourages this system. Let us discourage this by refusing to give bribe. ( Ex.--- don’t try briding the traffic policeman, when you are caught violating certain traffic rules, instead pay the fine)

7. I strongly believe that it is an ethical duty of all the educated and privileged people to care and uphold at least one or few backward, uneducated, and underprivileged peoples. (Ex.--- support at least one under privileged child for his/her study).

8. Most important is do your work sincerely with time punctuality. You not doing your work properly can influence the entire chain of work. You not moving a file from your department can delay or cancel someone else job. Never deprive someone of anything because of your disregard or negligence. It can be any job. When you do your work to your at most ability in the stipulated time, this improves the productively of the country. When the productivity is high, people get work, they earn. Once they earn they also spend… they buy more than their basic needs… to cater their need… more business are opened… this creates more job. Ultimately, there is prosperity of the nation.

In conclusion, patriotism is not just loving your geological location or hating other non-friendly countries. But taking responsibility for self, being accountable for the work, respecting the rules and regulations, not being indifferent to fellow humans in need, following certain principles for righteous living, and above all being productive which will lead to the growth and development of all the fellow citizens.