I feel incredibly small whenever I have to speak about patriotism. Perhaps because I don’t believe I have made any great or necessary contribution to truly call myself patriotic. In fact, I would say I came to understand the essence of patriotism quite late in life. Maybe it’s something shaped by the environment we grow up in.

Though, I would say, as a kid, I have always held Independence Day and Republic Day in high regard. Was it because our school celebrated them nicely? Maybe. But I remember how much excited, I used to be celebrating these days.It took quite a long for me to distinguish these days from other festivals.I never got a new school uniform at the start of the academic year. Instead, it was always given to me a day before Independence Day or Republic Day. I always celebrated these days in a crisp, brand new school uniform. Sometimes, I would even draw henna on my hands.But the most profound moment was when we stood together for the Rashtrageeta, watching the flag unfurl. There was something indescribable about that feeling, a sense of belonging that went beyond just celebration.

For me, patriotism is an emotion, something deeply felt rather than spoken. It is a profound respect for the land we are born on, something that resides silently in our hearts. And while I may not always find the words to express it, there were two moments in my life when I felt its presence more strongly than ever.

The first was when I lived abroad for a couple of years. The experience was good, the people were welcoming, but the restrictions,sometimes invisible barriers made me realize that true freedom, the kind that allows you to breathe without hesitation, exists only in your homeland.

The second was when I read An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor. Knowingly or unknowingly sometimes we tend to compare ourselves, our country with other countries. But, that book uncovered the history of India which shaped our present, exposing the weight of the past and the reasons we stand where we do today. It was a realizatdion , the one that deepened my respect for my country and its journey.

I would like to take the liberty of referencing my blog, where I have posted a detailed review of this book, and I strongly recommend every Indian read it. Shashi Tharoor, rightly said “We will never be able to understand where we are going until we know where we are coming from.”

Book Review of An Era Of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor

To conclude, I believe patriotism is not about grand gestures. It is an unspoken bond with the land that raised us,unwavering love that lives in the heart forever and gives us a courage to stand up for our country .