India First

“If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.”

—Romain Rolland
French Philosopher

 

His daughter held his hand and asked with teary eyed, “Can’t you wait ? Why do you always have to tear so early ?” He with his military uniform on and a smile replied, “Because it is India First !”

 

Her father called her up again to check on her. Worriedly he asked. “When will you be home ? Why do you have to work so late ?” She working from her research lab replied, “Father, because India has to be first !”

 

“We are all equal children before our mother; and India asks each one of us, in whatsoever role we play in the complex drama of nation building, to do our duty with integrity, commitment and unthinking loyalty to the values enshrined in the Constitution.”

—Pranab Mukherjee

 

        These words of the President of India highlight the deep desire with which he asks for participation from each and every citizen for helping India be first by working for India first.

 

‘India First’ is not a slogan; it cannot be taken as a dictum. It is an instinct, a feeling which helps the citizen strive to work harder in the task of nation building. It is a sense of pride that one receives when the country has made another achievement. ‘India First’ is the aim, the path and the feel, all at the same time.

 

‘India First’ can be called patriotism or nationalism, but certainly not jingoism. Because patriotism and nationalism is the conviction that the country is superior or that it has to be superior because one has been born in it. These two emotions are positive, as it helps in the task of nation building, with vigour and vitality. But the same is not the case with jingoism, because it is extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy. This not only would defame India but also reduce its respect that would prevent its chance of becoming a superpower and sustaining at that level.

 

Patriotism also cannot and should not be mixed with fascism either. Patriotism is voluntary. It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance which is the result of knowledge and belief. A patriot shows his patriotism with his actions, by his choice. Fascism, on the other hand, is an authoritarian and nationalistic right wing system of governmental and social organisation. It is forced patriotism which is unacceptable morally. It is seen as a curb on individual freedom and their right to make the choice. It creates distress amongst its masses, completely ruining the process of nation building. Thus, where patriotism can make the nation, fascism can surely break it.

 

Also true patriotism hates injustice more on its own land than anywhere else. And thus inspite of the habit of overlooking unpleasant truths, one has to keep an account of fascist characteristics to prevent the same from happening in the country. Identification of scapegoats for a unifying cause, supremacy of military, controlled mass media, obsession with national security, religion and government intertwined, disdain for intellectuals and art and rampant cronyism and corruption are some of them. These if occurred will not only deter India’s reputation but also deter the process of India First.

 

Also India First implies the non-interference of personal beliefs while serving for the country. Duty and responsibility towards the nation should always come first. Religion and traditions should not act as barriers and prevent dutifulness, but act as inspiration for seeking solutions. The beliefs should not stay rigid so much that they curb development of the country. Welfare of all the citizens should always stay the priority. Unity in diversity is what would help India stay first.

 

‘India First’ implies support for country always and for the government whenever it deserves it. It does not imply blindly following the decisions taken but making sure that every individuals’ opinions and views are taken into account. An individual’s intellect for the betterment of its own country is respected. This should not be for specific decisions or as per ease, but an on-going continuous and vigilant process. Because patriotism is not short frencized outbursts of emotions but the transquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.

 

The process of ‘India First’ begins with remembering the words of Mahatma Gandhi—“Be the change you want to see in the world.” And also the fact that change and the desire for it must come from within. Thus, for the change to be in action, India should do so first. And this has to be done with the help of all disciplines of profession like science, media, education, cultural exposure, foreign policy or security vigilance.

 

The dedication of the uniformed men at borders, the officers in the sky, the squad in the sea is appreciated and respected because of their passion to list their country first, even above their own lives. The hardwork of the national players to undergo severe training to win a medal or a trophy for the country is a brilliant example of the strive that is needed to see India First.

 

The promotion of the cultural brilliance of India, the accentuation of the rich heritage of the country for the world is to present a more

 

respectful side of India, the one that depicts it to be full of potential to be a superpower. This aspect of foreign policy is to make sure that India stands as an example upon which others look onto. Even during times of crisis to seek solutions or in terms of leading the most benevolent way for humanity, the world cries for ‘India First’.

 

And for this idea and process of ‘India First’ to come to a reality, a more participatory approach is expected by each and every citizen of India. Right from the sweeper who contributes so willingly in keeping India Swachch, so that there is overall economic and social growth of all, to the student who dedicates her play-time to learn new sport or take up a new subject, just so that when she grows up, she’ll be a more responsible citizen of the country, to the teacher who is doing her best to shape the youth, to create worthy human resource. Because in participation and in contribution, there is only to gain and nothing to lose.

“Citizenship consists in the service of the country.”    —Jawaharlal Nehru

 

        The service intended for welfare has to come through various inputs like education which can help create realization of the difference between patriotism and jingoism or fascism and to help build the cooperation for health and economic aspects essential for the socio economic welfare of every person. Thus, this cycle will continue with returns on completion of every turn. The chances of India to become first would increase with every revolution where the citizens of India have put themselves first.

 

‘India First’ is a start and an end in itself. It is the goal and the approach. It is the desire and the reward. It is the choice and the action. It is the idea of the present for the future. ‘India First’ now for a well deserved and well acknowledged ‘India First’ in times to come !