Written by Omyra Lakhanpal
In today’s times, patriotism takes numerous forms – some that elevate society and others that cast shadows. At its best, it nurtures pride in national progress, honours shared history and builds a sense of unity among citizens. At its worst, it becomes a performance, where showing loyalty outweighs living it with sincerity. What was once rooted in genuine devotion and respect is now too often packaged, politicised and weaponised. In this process, patriotism risks losing its depth, serving instead as a convenient mask for vested interests under the banner of nationalism.
The politicisation of patriotism reflects both its potential and its drawbacks. On one hand, governments have used national events such as Republic Day and Independence Day to highlight achievements in science, infrastructure and social welfare, reminding citizens of how far the country has come since independence. Flag-hoisting ceremonies in schools, tributes to freedom fighters and televised addresses by the President and Prime Minister have all helped reinforce a sense of collective national identity and democratic pride. However, there are occasions where political leaders shift the narrative, sometimes adopting a sanctimonious tone that turns these celebrations into platforms for party-driven agendas.
In parallel to this, the commercialisation of patriotism has also been channelled by the government and corporations into opportunities that amplify national pride on a grand scale. Independence Day sales and public campaigns often use the national flag and tricolour themes to bring citizens together in celebration. National holidays now spark vibrant activity across e-commerce platforms, malls and fast-food chains, which introduce tricolour-themed food, limited-edition merchandise and incandescent social media campaigns. While critics sometimes worry about over-commercialisation, these initiatives can be viewed as creative ways of keeping national symbols visible and engaging younger generations in fresh and meaningful ways.
Acts carried out under the name of patriotism have sometimes been misinterpreted, leaving citizens disheartened when fervour spills over into violence or confrontation. However, the government has consistently emphasized that true patriotism lies in eulogizing the values of altruism, harmony and respect that defines the freedom struggle. By steering public discourse away from mercurial extremes and towards unity, the state continues to encourage citizens to channel their pride into constructive actions whether through service, civic responsibility or contributions to national development. In this way, patriotism is shaped not as a coercive force, but as a positive, voluntary sentiment that strengthens democracy.
What the framers of the Constitution once saw as a unifying force is now, at times, redirected for political advantage, commercial profit or even coercion. Such shifts risk reducing patriotism to a tool of exclusion or opportunism. Yet, its positive side is still visible- in government programs that honour freedom fighters, in investments that drive national progress and in the strength of India’s democracy, which continues to inspire pride among its citizens. Patriotism, then, is neither entirely noble nor entirely corrupted: it remains a breathing idea, with the power to both unite and divide. The real task is to create expressions of national pride that emphasize inclusivity and service, while staying alert to its misuse as a divisive or self-righteous weapon.
Discover more from SeaGlass Literary
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.