A mere collection of people living in a geographical territory having one language or religion cannot become a nation. More crucial is that they willingly live in unity and strive collectively and dedicatedly to achieve the greater goal of freedom, equality, security and prosperity for all. It is only then one can see the foundation and growth of a real nation.
So long as the citizens are self-centered, and focused only on their own individual interests over those of others, with no regard to the common societal goals, they cannot build a true nation, which is unfortunately the situation in our country, Even those many revolutionary schemes provided by scientific, economic and political philosophies have been of no avail except that they present a semblance of integration only during the initial phase of enthusiasm.
The sole reason is that these schemes are concerned with the environments and circumstances, and not with the individual. A nation is composed of individuals and its nature and strength are essentially rooted in the texture and quality of its citizens. How can a nation be built by mere enhancement of wealth, improvement of social laws or advancement of science and technology? Wealth, amenities and social order have, no doubt, their own particular significance, but they go as far as they can. They will be rendered ineffective if the individuals manning them are lacking in integrity of character which constitutes the very backbone of a country.
Politicians may introduce ideologies, reforms and endeavour to ensure that their country looks the best in the eyes of the world. Yet, when the individuals in any country have no national consciousness or a feeling of love and fraternity, internal struggles and strife arise and sap the very roots of the politician’s idea of a united and progressive nation. Thus, many a great empire have fallen by the wayside and forgotten in the march of time.
Similarly, economists may try to bring about wealth and material prosperity to the nation, but this too alone cannot serve any worthwhile purpose in the absence of integrity and strength of character amongst the people at large. And when there is moral and cultural degradation, it leads to abuse of power and exploitation culminating in impoverishment.
Even so, all scientific achievements can be a blessing to society only when man is rational and ethical. If he loses his discrimination and flouts all moral and ethical values, he employs his knowledge in destructive channels which become a curse and threat to mankind. Looking around us do we need any further convincing that mankind today suffers this very malaise, and the need of the hour is to wake up to the reality?
(The writer is a social activist and writer)
