rajeshvora’s blog

So Friends, I wish to thank all those who have responded and written about the spirit of Patriotism in my previous blog. My heart felt thanks to each and every one of you.
I would also like to thank Raghu, Deepa, Sandhya and Amit for spending their valuable time and judging the entries.
The comments were mailed to them without mentioning who has posted the entries to eliminate bias. Only after deciding on the winner, has the moderation been removed and comments made visible.

Comment by Vicky Podiz:
“Patriotism - What is Patriotism ? Patriotism is not wearing the flag on the shirt on August 15 but hoisting the spirit of the flag in our action and thoughts in everyday life. Its not just remembering the heroes who fought for it on this day but doing our bit to carry forward our nation which was hard fought by them . Patriotism should be even in the small actions of our day to day life - removing a stone in the middle of road , yes , it also reflects patriotism . Patriotism is not in the pessimistic view of blaming our political system and beauocracy but in thinking and acting our part to try bring a positive change. Patriotism is optimism and confidence in the soul of our country that one day our country shall arise , awake and be an example for other nations in all spheres of development . Patriotism is our love for our country and when u love it , we should make sure - she is clean , healthy , mighty and respected in the whole world and symbol of love , compassion and progress.”


Comment by Vidhya:
“Patriotism is loving your country..loving your country knowing its faults and weakness and instead of trying to hide them..thinking about how to overcome those weaknesses with the help of the resources our country can offer. Patriotism does not mean hating other countries, it just means loving yours more. Loving your nations dirt, its not so perfect people..loving it so much believe that one day we are going to have a hunger free nation is patriotism. I love my nation, her people, her food, her tears, her joy, her languages, her hospitality, her bravery, her strength, her love, her contours and some day in the near future when she is free from the troubles which harass her now…her peace. I dont love all these things because i have to…No..I love them because i want to love them and i just dont seem to cease loving them.”


Friends (and esp. vicky and vids), you will be happy to note that the desicion ended in a tie. I had to take the help of Sandeep to decide on one winning entry. But friends, by deciding on the winner, we dont take away the credit from the other entry.
So finally, the winning entry was the one by Vicky Podiz.
To be frank, Vidya, i find your comment equally inspirational.
i would like to thank both of you for having come out with such beautiful comments. wishing you all the best in everything.

The Prize will be sent to Vicky and Vidhya you get a special jury’s prize for the tie. ( i did not announce it before, but am doing so now :)      )

I wish we could do without these freedoms.

Freedom to litter our streets.
Freedom to be impolite to others.
Freedom to remain indifferent to happenings around us.
Freedom to abuse others.
Freedom to do what please us most, with nay a thought about others.
Freedom to drive as irresponsibly as possible.
Freedom to honk constantly on the road.
Freedom to strike work at the drop of a hat.
Freedom to give bribes.
Freedom to take bribes.
Freedom to pollute our rivers.
Freedom to pollute our air.
Freedom to pollute others minds.
Freedom to ape western culture.
Freedom to stop being creative.
Freedom to have an excuse for everything.
Freedom to be lazy for doing nothing.
Freedom to succeed at the cost of others.
Freedom to stop lending a helping hand to needy.
Freedom to accumulate wealth.
Freedom to destroy nature.
Freedom to cause a rift between peoples.
Freedom to build vote banks.
Freedom to elect corrupt leaders, coz. we have no other choice.
Freedom to break every rule in the book.
Freedom to fall for all things 'foren'.
Freedom to exploit our work force.
Freedom to ignore our family and hang out with friends.
Freedom to pinpoint mistakes but not rectify them.
Freedom to pass the buck, but never let it stop at us.

Freedom to post this blog . Here I run for cover before you guys get hold of me.

Quote on Patriotism

Patriotism is your conviction that your country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.

-         George Bernard Shaw.


One more blog posted today, below this blog. do follow that link put up there.

Hi Friends,
This year I would like to celebrate Our Independence Day in a different manner. As a kid, I always used to enjoy the march past and other activities that we used to take part in, on the Independence Day. I want to know whats your take on Patriotism.

What do you mean by Patriotism? Please give your views on the spirit of Patriotism. You may post your answers in the comment box. The most original and inspirational write up will win a gift voucher of Rs.1000/-.

So, put on your thinking caps, pump up your patriotic spirit and give it your best shot. I would love to hear from you Friends.



Please Note:

1. This is just an informal interaction between iLanders. This is open only to active iLanders. Others too may post their comments but will not be eligible for the prize.
2. A panel of judges will decide who the winner is and the judge’s decision will be final and binding on all concerned.
3. The answer should not exceed the number of characters allowed in a single comment box.
4. One person can post only one answer.
5. The deadline for posting answers is August 15, 2006 11.59pm.
6. The winner will be notified by way of guest book entry on his/her iLand, email and on this blog itself.
7. In order to facilitate dispatch of the gift voucher, the e-mail ID to which the correspondence details are to be sent will be notified to the winner.
8. This is not promoted by rediff or any of its subsidiaries. It is solely promoted by the above-mentioned iLander.
9. In case of more than one winning entry, the final winner will be selected on a random basis.

10. The results will be declared latest by 21.08.2006.