– Basant Haryana
Recently, the MLA of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, questioned the patriotism of a student who did not say “Vande Mataram” during a school ceremony. This scene shows that today the measure of patriotism has been pegged to the echo of slogans. But the question is: does love for the nation really depend on such a superficial definition?
Silence is also a Statement
That Muslim student did not protest; he simply remained silent. His silence seemed to be saying: “My prayers and my hard work are for this nation, but my faith prevents me from uttering certain words. Can my love for my country not be acknowledged without clashing with my faith?”
This is not the question of one person, but a symbol of the sensitivity of millions of citizens who wish to carry both their religion and their country together.
Testimony of History
The history of the freedom struggle shows that patriotism was proven not by slogans, but by sacrifices.
In 1857, Hindus and Muslims fought shoulder to shoulder. Ashfaqulla Khan kissed the gallows with a smile alongside Ram Prasad Bismil. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad said in the Constituent Assembly: “I am an Indian and I am proud to remain an Indian.”
No one asked what slogan was raised by whom. The only question was: who staked everything for the nation.
Truth of Independent India
Even after Independence, the Muslim community has made indelible contributions to the development of India.
In science, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – not just the “Missile Man,” but also a source of inspiration for children.
In sports, Mohammad Shami, Irfan Pathan, Syed Kirmani, and several other football and hockey players have brought honour to the nation.
In literature, art, and music, names like Rahi Masoom Raza, Jagjit Singh, and Ghulam Ali became symbols of shared culture.
The common Muslim citizen ploughs fields, toils in factories, and struggles for the education of his children. Is all this not service to Bharat Mata?
The Real Measure
The true yardstick of patriotism is not slogans, but deeds.
One who takes bribes, who robs the rights of the people, cannot be a patriot even if he shouts “Bharat Mata ki Jai” day and night.
One who divides society, who spreads communalism, is in fact a traitor even if he sings “Vande Mataram” a thousand times.
And one who works honestly, strengthens brotherhood, and respects the Constitution, is a true patriot even if he remains silent.
A Responsibility
Patriotism is not a competition of clapping or shouting slogans, but a responsibility – towards our society, our Constitution, and the generations to come.
Saying “Vande Mataram” can be an expression of love for the nation, but not saying it is not treason.
True patriotism lies in the hands of the labourer, who without noise or show breathes new life into his country every single day.
[The writer is General Secretary, Rajasthan Nagarik Manch, and Member of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA), Rajasthan]
