Faux Patriotism

I hate the jingoistic rambling that passes as patriotism these days. Suddenly, for one day it becomes fashionable to spout flags all over the place and wish each other Happy Independence Day. I hate it when I am forced up by glaring eyes in a cinema hall before the movie starts. Don't force patriotism down my throat. I am only going to want the movie to start earlier.

Besides, regional boundaries are becoming redundant day by day. Pride in one culture's and pride in one's history is one thing but patriotism for the sake of it is not cool.

The time to discriminate against men on the basis of regional boundaries is long past and It's not going to take anything less than an alien invasion to make men acknowledge his kin.

However, I am not a complete cynic, atleast not yet. Here's a heart touching rendition of Jan Gan Man that never fails to move me. I am searching for the video of the old version which used to air on DD1, if you have it drop me a line:

Also, if you have been following the Jan Gan Man controvery about it having been written for the King and Queen for england, here's something that might interest you.

In a letter to Pulin Behari Sen, Tagore himself wrote: [7]
“A certain high official in His Majesty’s service, who was also my friend, had requested that I write a song of felicitation towards the Emperor. The request simply amazed me. It caused a great stir in my heart. In response to that great mental turmoil, I pronounced the victory in Jana Gana Mana of that Bhagya Vidhata [ed. God of Destiny] of India who has from age after age held steadfast the reins of India’s chariot through rise and fall, through the straight path and the curved. That Lord of Destiny, that Reader of the Collective Mind of India, that Perennial Guide, could never be George V, George VI, or any other George. Even my official friend understood this about the song. After all, even if his admiration for the crown was excessive, he was not lacking in simple common sense.”