Recently with reference to the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act of 1971 a writ petition was filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey. In response to that Supreme court came out with a order that every cinema hall should play the national anthem before the exhibition of a film. This raises the debate of whether patriotism should be inculcated or dictated.
Patriotism is an emotional attachment of an individual towards ones nation. Nation takes many steps to inculcate this feeling in citizens.
- Constitution: Article 51-A dealing with Fundamental Duties clearly mentions citizen duty to show allegiance to India via honouring the national anthem etc.
- Laws: Prevention of insults to national honour act prohibits desecration of or insult to the country’s national symbols, including the National Flag, Indian map and the National Anthem.
- Conventions: For instance, official ceremonies start with national anthem, singing of the national anthem on special occasions, especially in schools and colleges.
- Education:Including study of national movements, symbols of national significance in the school curriculum helps in inculcating a sense of patriotism.
But, Patriotism is a feeling to be inculcated by citizens irrespective of whether it is dictated or made compulsory. It doesn’t require special display, few actions such as those mentioned below equally amount to patriotism.
- Feeling proud for India’s ability to produce great scientists, musicians, sports persons, entrepreneurs etc.
- Respect for young soldiers dying defending India’s borders.
- Contributing positively to the Indian economy and being a law abiding citizen
- Working towards nation building by fighting against social evils etc.
Though, few rules and conventions are required to ensure dignity of the national symbols is maintained, abstract things like patriotism could be inculcated by social institutional mechanisms as family, society and media could play a greater role in it.
