Your Friendly Philosopher & Guide

A couple of years back someone came to consult me. I think it was on August 15th, and he had a paper- made national flag pinned to his shirt. For a moment I admired his patriotism. I opened his chart and the horoscope showed luck for him in foreign nation – hence asked him whether he worked in a foreign nation? And he said yes. And his main concern was whether he will settle in the US and when exactly would he get his green card! I saw an incongruity in the attitude.

Why is this inappropriateness? Why would anyone want to worry about settling in a foreign nation, when outwardly he feels so proud to show off the flag on his chest?! It is simple. The basic questions you need to ask yourself are – do you love your country and countrymen? If yes – why do you love your country and countrymen?

Hitler beautifully says that you cannot give your life for a country you don’t love. And what induces you to love your country? Does the country and countrymen make your life easy? Does your country and countrymen make you feel better? If not, then what is that makes you love the country?

I personally love my country only because of its past heritage and its contribution to Indian civilization, or else there is no reason for me to love my country. I hate the corrupt politicians, I hate the corrupt government systems, I hate the lethargic bureaucrats, I hate the lazy judiciary system, and I hate the irresponsible press. None of them make me feel proud or make me feel better. Of course the system is bad in every country – but it is worse in India.

I would hate to call myself belonging to India only because I was born here – it would be an animalistic approach to say that I am territorial. I want to love my country because it makes me feel good and better – which seem impossible in the near future.

The moment I get out of my house – the auto guys are on their toes to cheat me, the vegetable vendor tries to cheat me, the consumerism cheats me, I go to an government organization to get a new electric connection for my mother - he openly says Rs 7500 deposit and Rs 2500 corruption charges, if I go to the police he is acts deaf, and when I go to the press he asks what is that we get out of the news? And when I am fed up and go to a temple for some mental peace – priests and beggars flock to make some quick money.

No wonder Indians these days love to move abroad and settle there. If given a chance they would never come back, though they will keep complaining about homesickness. Let us face the truth - lives are better abroad where as each day is a struggle, and every system is corrupt in India. The present India has nothing to offer to the countrymen, and this is the saddest part. We can only keep forwarding mails about India’s past glory and one of Abdul Kalam’s speeches to feel some console!