A recently published column in a popular newspaper,
written by one of Goa’s more eminent writers, Vivek
Menezes, recently drew a lot of attention on social
media, as it spoke of the ordeal that a disabled individual
underwent at the hands of two seemingly callous
individuals. The case in question involved writer and
disability activist Salil Chaturvedi, who was assaulted
during the national anthem at a cinema in Panjim. This
treatment came at the hands of a couple, who took
offence that he did not rise to his feet when the national
anthem played, little realising that he was the victim of a
spinal injury. While the man attacked in physical form, the
woman went on to lament his refusal to rise.
If we’re discussing the very concept of patriotism, who
better to ask than people who have served in the armed
forces themselves? Colonel Himmat Sidhu, a veteran of
the Indian Cavalry Regiment, who now resides in Dona
Paula, opines, “Let me put it this way, there’s a false
sense of ‘ownership’ of patriotism by some misguided
elements. Honouring/showing respect to our flag and
anthem is at par when men in uniform salute it, when
others hold their hand over their hearts, or just a look
of pride with head held high. A handicapped soldier or
civilian shows no disrespect while seated. One must feel
like saluting and or holding one’s head high with pride
when the flag is unfurled or the national anthem is played.
There can be no compulsion in this act. It has to be
inculcated at home and in school. The act in the multiplex
is most reprehensible. It amounts to disrespecting the
handicapped. In fact, it was the handicapped that brought
in a greater tally of medals from the Olympic Games than
the regular contingent, and when the national flag was
unfurled, they didn’t need to stand.”
This kind of military discipline is endorsed by some
who have experienced it from a young age. Take Nolan
Mascarenhas, a much lauded writer and blogger, who
was once a part of a military academy. His views include
quoting Jesse Ventura, when he says “Patriotism is
voluntary. It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance that is
the result of knowledge and belief. A patriot shows their
patriotism through their actions, by their choice.” He goes
on to add his own point of view, saying, “Having been
through military academy for a bit, there is no greater joy
and pride whilst I sing the national anthem and respect
our tricolour on any single occasion that presents itself.
It’s an instilled belief that reigns supreme through our
forces till the time they serve their last breath. Think about
it. Where else would you have someone give up their
life for the love of their country in a heartbeat? There
have been instances that irk me in regards to people,
both foreign and national, when they do not stand up
to respect the flag at theatres and the like elsewhere.
However, discretion is key and paramount. There are
times when people are incapacitated and cannot do
the same. Had it been a perfectly able person not doing
so, that would amount to disrespecting our national
sovereignty.”
There are other individuals as well, who have been
outspoken about such matters, both verbally and on
platforms of social media. For instance, Sapna Sahani, the
founder of Blurb, a public relations enterprise, speaking
about her inability to have a say in matters that affect her
person, says, “I detest the fact that I’m forced to stand up
for the national anthem before a movie. I think we should
allow people to be patriotic on their own terms, and not
coerce them into obedience. And I think it’s shameful for
someone to attack anyone, let alone a disabled person,
for this. I think this reflects the herd mentality of jingoism
that more and more people are succumbing to these
days.”
Pointing out to what patriotism really implies,
according to her, radio personality Ayesha Barretto says,
“Standing up when the national anthem is played or sung
is a norm and what we have been trained to do from
childhood. But in no way can patriotism be equated to
this mere act. In my opinion, it goes way beyond that
and encompasses a myriad things that we ought to do
to show our love and respect for our country. For me
patriotism is about being a law-abiding, honest citizen,
one who cares about making our country a better place
to be in and belong to, an individual who respects other
people and their religions; someone who doesn’t pay
bribes, doesn’t instigate and participate in acts of violence.
Patriotism, like charity, must begin at home.”
We have all but read what Aamir Khan went through
a few months ago when he expressed concern for the
safety of his family. He was branded unpatriotic, and
anti-national. And it is one of the few cases that has
received widespread media attention, purely because of
the fact that it involves a celebrity. The question that must
be answered, therefore, is this. Where does the jingoism
draw the line? Where does the pride end, and the blind,
over-zealous fervour, begin? It is clearly a line that doesn’t
appear too well defined, as the case at the theatre will
clearly attest to.
