Why Do I Love My Motherland?

India is all set to enter her 70th year of independence from the British. It’s a time when many parts of the country see revelry and reverence for the soil that has kept identities alive.

It’s also a time of contradicting ideologies and conflicting opinions as can be seen in most democracies. There are shouts of nationalism, replete with the sound of booming dhols (Indian drums). There are also murmurs of disapproval, calling out jingoists who—according to the disapproving lot—refuse to see the enormity of issues the country faces, mainly corruption, poverty and violence.Daily online skirmishes between supporters and critics of the ruling party have ensured a polarized citizenry where supporters believe their leader is headed for the right direction while others think the present government is no better than the previous one.

It’s amidst such strife that Indians come together to contemplate about and celebrate one of the most significant days of this ageless land.

I have friends who challenge my belief system. That you are born in a certain place into a certain religion or a certain value system is all a matter of accident, they say, but let me ask—is the process of birth itself not accidental? You are born a healthy being in a sane world to parents who can afford to have you, only if you are lucky. This accident binds you forever to your mother, whom you love unconditionally and protect with all your life. Why are you so bound to this accidental mother then? Isn’t love for my motherland the same—umbilical attachment to the country that made me?

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Hindu philosophy underlines the concept of Mother, Father, Teacher and God. God comes last—yes, because your mother leads you to your father, who leads you to your teacher, who reveals the ultimate reality of Brahman or the formless God, which underlies all phenomena in Hindu scriptures.

This journey is impossible without the Mother—be it the biological mother or the geographical one. Yes, there are times when I wish my mother was like someone else’s, but it is ultimately her that I love. My country was a melting pot of ideas—of science, technology, mathematics, metallurgy, medicine and astronomy. I see her influence in many places—from Indonesia and China to Thailand, Tibet and Nepal.

It is India that defines me. My identity is synthesized from her culture, which encourages broadmindedness—the ability to receive ideas and ideologies on their merit, and make them a part of me. It’s why we are a mixture of different religions, cultures and traditions. If I am destined to be born again, I would beg to be a son of this soil—to learn more from the scriptures that govern this land, to grow more in her shade, which has space for all.

Today, there is no reason for India to exist, as we are such diverse sub-cultures clubbed together with underlying currents that threaten to split the nation. But India exists! And it will because her culture stands strong. Bad winds may blow. Irresponsible politicians and those with little understanding of our all-encompassing nature may abuse this country, but she will stand strong. An ancient land that has battled and bowed—but never broken—will not lose hope. We will prevail. Long live India—or as we say—Jai Hind.

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