Celebs and students on what rouses nationalist sentiment

Sandip.Bal@timesgroup.com

From commoners to celebrities, Independence Day has equal importance in all Indian’s lives. Childhood nostalgia surrounding the day, the passions ignited by leafing through the pages of history books and the general feeling of nationalism has everyone excited. When BT contacted some of the celebrities in the city and got hold of youngsters around, this is what they had to say.

Sabyasachi Mishra
Iwill be at the governor’s for a celebration tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. For me, patriotism is performing your duties and responsibilities honestly as a citizen. Instead of complaining about everything without doing anything, we must first play our role of a good citizen and this will be our greatest service to the nation. This is my idea of patriotism. During my school days, I was a member of the scouts and guides and had joined the state-level parade as Environmental Brigade of Scouts and Guides. Besides, I used to play
harmonium in the school anthem team.

Anubha Sourya
It will be a busy working day this Independence Day. Patriotism for me is those goosebumps you get when you listen to the National Anthem or see the National Flag hoisted high while in a foreign land. It’s also a similar feeling when you meet an Indian on foreign shores. There is a kind of belonging for my motherland. In my school days, I was a NCC cadet and had participated in the state-level parade on several occasions.

Archita Sahu
Respecting unity in diversity and being proud of the vibrant nature of our country arouses a certain nationalist sentiment in me. Respecting the idea — live and let live — I feel, is the social fabric that has been on constant attack since the internet and social media has taken over our lives. Participating in the school parade team is my best memory of Independence Day celebrations.

Anubhav Mohanty
Patriotism for me is unconditional love for my motherland and not discriminating on the basis of caste, creed, colour, sex and religion. Dedicating your life for your country’s betterment is a proud thing to do but it can be achieved through your own line of work. I have fond memories of Independence Day, celebrating at home with siblings in a joint family and also of becoming a commander at the district-level parade in Barabati stadium.

Anu Choudhury
Freedom fighters fought hard to give us our independence and it’s our duty to keep it intact. That’s what patriotism is for me. It is to respect the country’s long-fought independence battle. Being an Indian is the best feeling one can have. The country that has taught the world so much from non-violence to inventing the zero is a proud place to belong to. I feel that a lot of prayers in earlier births made me an Indian. The childhood memories are more of going to school for the parade and waiting for the distribution of laddoos and chocolates.
STUDENTS SPEAK
‘Patriotism is when we give our all to the country and help in any way possible for its betterment. Being an Indian is like the best thing we could ever have asked for. As we are born here, we must give our last breath to protect it’
— Kiran Kumar
‘Patriotism is respecting every aspect of our country and treating every Indian as fellow brethren. The feeling of fellowship is the basis of brotherhood and that’s what patriotism stands for. We are lucky to be born as Indians, when we compare ourselves with others’
— Debasmita Das