The Value of Patriotism

The other day we celebrated the Independence day in the school with a solemn march past, drill, a couple of interesting cultural programmes and of course, a string of talks and messages. During the staff evaluation that followed, I made an intervention: As educators we need to set imparting values as targets not success. Children are sharp and they are quick to grasp what our emphasis is on. They naturally and unconsciously pick up that. If our success indicators are smooth running of the programme, a grand show, a big round of applause... then they learn to work towards these. On the other hand, if my emphasis is on values and principles and more specially on children themselves, and if I am willing to sacrifice success for even one child, then they learn that people are more important than programmes. That I am esteemed more than an event.

On further reflection, I asked myself, what patriotic value did we impart to the children on the occasion of the independence day? That patriotism meant merely a day of celebration? Nothing before or nothing after? That they learnt a form of discipline, by way of standing in a straight line, marching to a beat, performing a particular exercise or dance... basically a discipline; yeah, that is true. But I ask again, is that all we educators are capable of imparting? I tried to view it from the child's mind: patriotism means honouring the national flag on August 15 – the rest of the year it is rotting in some cupboard pushed around in the corners. Patriotism means singing Vande Mataram and marching left-right-left – what about love of country or countrymen?

Empowering others

What an apt quote from Zig Ziglar, to sum up the experience of the youth day:

The greatest good we can do for others is not just to share our riches with them, but to reveal theirs.

Click here for a couple of more quotes from Zig Ziglar. I am happy I also got a chance to personally meet the youth of several places. I still do not know why Sudhakar and Anthaiah got their youth group to me after the whole thing was over, but I'm glad they did. It gave me an opportunity to share with them something that has been gnawing me from within, especially about their village: helping them make a shift from dependence to independence through empowerment rather than mere charity.

From 'want' to 'want to'

A message from the celebration of the Independence day:
Most of us only 'want' but not 'want to'!

Salesians and Patriotism

Somehow as Salesians we often neglect one aspect of our educational system... perhaps Don Bosco himself never sufficiently emphasised or felt the need of highlighting this dimension of the educational process... that of patriotism. Though he did speak of 'Good Christians and honest citizens' it somehow never really inculcated any patriotic sense. Perhaps the political context of his times forced him to stay calm and away from anything to do with general welfare and national policies. Unfortunately we Salesians seem to have taken that very seriously and have altogether relegated 'our duty to the nation' to merely hoisting the flag on August 15 and a well corrected speech for the same. I would not shrink from my responsibility either ... I am one such Salesian!

Over the time if there is something that constantly shames me is this short song/video ... truly splendid in its portrayal of the need for every citizen to take the first step:

Another truly well made inspirational ad about patriotism is the following:

Clearing the cobwebs

Healing of the mind and heart precedes the physical healing or achievement. This is proved once again by the incident in today's first reading from the book of the Kings (the passage of the healing of Naaman, the Syrian). Similarly it is said that victories and loses occur first in the mind, then in reality. The power of the mind and the heart to be able to rise above a situation is what ultimately decides the way the situation would be moulded by the presence (or absence) of the concerned individual. Had Naaman walked off, in scorn of the simple prescription of the Elisha (to bathe in Jordan) perhaps he would have died a leper. But his healing begins the moment he consents and agrees to bathe. He had his priorities and ideas clear about the supremacy of Syria over Israel and he never doubted that. He had to let go off that to earn what he came for.

It is always good to clear the mind of the cobwebs of prejudice, the heart of the mire of malice and the soul of the pride of independence prior to undertaking a new venture or embarking on a mission.