The word 'patriotism is derived from a Latin word which means 'father' Thus the land or the country to which one belongs is called the fatherland. We owe everything to our country and are happy in serving it Alexander Pope rightly said, "Happy the man whose wish and care, a few paternal acres abound. Content to breathe his native air in his own ground."

We love our country and pride ourselves as Indians. To some extent we all are patriots However, a true patriot is one, who places his country first and foremost. He is ever ready to make sacrifices for his country, for he has the welfare of the country at heart. He criticises the wrong policies that prevail in the society. His criticism is good and constructive without any self interest and motive. However, in times of crisis like war or natural calamity, he is ready to make the supreme sacrifice

However, patriots are of different hues. Some pseudo patriots camouflage their real motive by appealing to narrow minded sectarian interests. They aggressively flaunt their superficial patriotism, for they prescribe to the motto "My country right or wrong" Such patriots are dangerous for the country. They also pose a threat to democracy, for they discourage dissent and are the precursor to authoritarian or fascist rule. Such patriots abounded in fascist Germany and Italy, during the Second World War. They perpetuated crimes against humanity, under the misplaced notion of patriotism.

Patriotism is a much used and abused word in Indian politics. All political parties claim to be more patriotic than the other. Often it sa facade for public consumption, while their real interest is in garnering votes, by fanning divisive and contentious issues. Referring to such scoundrels masquerading as patriots, Doctor Samuel Johnson said, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

We should be on guard against such pseudo patriots and be a true patriot. This is for a true patriot is the strength of a country. We owe our freedom to them. Such people are in the forefront to defend the country both in war and peace. They do not ask what the country has done for them, but ask what they can do for the country. Saluting the patriotic pilots, who laid down their lives, during the invasion of England by the Nazi air force, Mr Winston Churchill said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

A true patriot upholds all things that are good for the country and is ready to make sacrifices to safeguard it. Indeed the soul of a person who has no love for his country is dead. In the words of Sir Walter Scot, "Breathes there the man with soul so dead. Who never to himself hath said, this is my own my native land."