Introduction: Patriotism is one of the noble virtues of human nature. Patriotism encourages people to act properly for the betterment of the country. So, the exercise of this noble virtue can bring happiness and prosperity to a nation.
Features of patriotism: Literally, patriotism is the love for one’s own country as well as the willingness to defend it. But the terms ‘love’ and ‘willingness’ do not have any established features. Who, Why and how express love to anyone or anything is still to receive a sensible explanation. Yet patriotism may be explained as love for one’s mother, mother tongue and motherland.
Development of patriotism: Mother, mother tongue and motherland are the three fundamental aspects of the continuous development of patriotism. A human being can flourish his/her patriotism properly through developing a profound love and feeling for these three aspects. The lesson of love derived from mother’s love puts the first impression of patriotism. On the other hand, establishing a mother tongue deep in the heart as a mode of communication and loving it leads a person another step to patriotism. However, Patriotism takes its complete form when a person can love his motherland truely.
Expression of patriotism: The stream of patriotism flows in human mind always. But it overfows its banks in some particular situations. Especially, during any national crisis or in question of honour and dignity of the country, nation or people, a patriot never hesitates to make supreme sacrifice. On the other hand, when far off from motherland, patriotism sometimes springs out. Michael Madhusudan Dutta is a glowing example of this.
Patriotism in normal course of life: Patriotism comes out not only during national crasis or in heroic deeds. If a person loves his country, performs his own duty and works for the progress of the country, he is, no doubt, a patriot, Thus, a teacher, a writer, a doctor, an engineer, a student or a politician may be patriot even in normal course of life if they honestly and sincerely perform their duties.
Importance of patriotism: Patriotism is such a virtue that inspires a man to sacrifice joys, interests and even life for the sake of the country. It creates a sense of brotherhood, co-operation no sympathy for the countrymen. A patriot is loved and honoured by the countrymen. Mohammad (Sm.) described patriotism as a part of our religious belief.
Danger of narrow patriotism: Patriotism is a positive term. But some people pollute it in the guise of a patriot. Some statesmen established autocracy in the name of patriotism. In fact, they are not patriots, rather they are enemies to the country and the nation. Saddam Hossain of Iraq, Hitler of Germany are two such narrow-minded patriots.
Conclusion: Patriqtism enables a man to rise and go beyond selfishness and the prejudices of race, class, caste, language and religion. In fact, a true patriot loves his country and countrymen more than his life and at the same time values the freedom of others as his own. So, well should cultivate this great virtue.
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