Who never to himself hath said
This is my own my native land!
Sir Walter Scott ---- 1771-1872
Wonder why I begin with these queer and curt lines written by a poet from the 18th century in a far-off foreign land ? The poem learnt long back in the school days, has suddenly surfaced itself from the pages of memory onto the present scenario, and is compelling me to pen down my own adherence to it.
In the first place, I wish to reaffirm the well-established truth that the love and concern of people for their homeland is an almost universal phenomenon. It is undoubtedly, an inborn, natural feeling of belonging, leading to the unquestionable love for the land of one's birth, that further culminates in a sense of pride in it. The curious blending of these fine feelings can be summed up in a peculiar word called Patriotism.
The word has such a magic about it that poets all over the world have found it the most favourite subject for their writings. Some of these creations have become immortal in their universal appeal and relevance, like the one quoted here.
In view of the situation prevailing in the country, the musing of an immortal bard from a foreign land in the distant past, seems absolutely relevant even today, that one who does not love his native land and indulges himself in activities against its interest , - by word or deed , -directly or indirectly ,must be one with 'a soul so dead ' that this soulless person will forfeit all his honor despite owning high titles ,power and riches He will spend a worthless life and at the end of it----
doubly dying shall go down
to the vile dust from whence, he sprung
unwept, unhonored, and unsung.
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