Patriotism – Everyone has their own definition of patriotism. People may call themselves patriot just changing the profile pic of FB and WhatsApp account on the special occasion of Independence day or Republic day. Some feels sacrificing life for country is the real patriotism, there are some professions as a symbol of patriotism.
Patriotism for NRI community – These people are physically away but mentally and emotionally attached to their birth place. I met and discussed patriotism with 100s of NRI’s during my stay in United States. They are very close to their country, they feel proud when India win cricket matches, they celebrate all Indian festivals, They loved to see try-color on Empire State building. It’s common to see a North Indian celebrating Ugadi and Onam, a South Indian family dancing on Punjabi folk.
But I found them unanswered when I asked “What you are doing about society you left back? Did you get any chance to help them?”
Answer was "We are helpless what best we can do from here is Donation”. No doubt NRIs are donating to NGO’s but they are not sure if it’s reaching to right people.
During My Journey I met with Mr. Ghanshyam Singh an IT professional settled in Boston (United States), born and brought up in Varanasi, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh regarded as the spiritual capital of India. I asked the same question to him but got very different answer this time. I asked, are you running any NGO? Do you have political connection? Are you donating to local parties? Answer was a big NO. Then what exactly you are doing man? He doesn’t seems to be helpless, he found many ways to help the society back in India without and excuse with the help of his like-minded friends.
GhanShyam Singh and his like-minded friends formed a self-funded team named as “Sri Gandhi Alumni”, I repeat Self-Funded.
The team has accomplished following so far since last many years and trying their best for betterment of society back in India
- Team has helped 1000s of freshers explaining the current job market trends, required trainings and getting them jobs.
- Team has established a local library with used books for.
- Team has inspired and actively involved in plantation. Now people have started planting trees on the occasion of their birthdays.
- Team started conducting competitive exams for 10th class students and distributed prizes to winners and consolation prizes to all participants out of their pockets.
So True – Where there is a will there is a way.
Ghanshyam himself is admin of many WhatsApp groups related to Jobs and career challenges.
A great example of patriotism serving their loved ones even from long distance. The best part is Instead of making noise, he is simply taking actions.
The meaning of patriotism I learned from him revolve around the word “Respect”, “Protect” and “Act”.
- Respect – Respecting your people, culture, language, food, country
- Protect – Protecting your border, religion, environment, ecosystem, economy, society
- Act – If your acts helps your people to grow, to spread good name world wide, to educate next generation.
If we decide we can find 100 ways to serve our nation irrespective of our visa-status, location, financial health or physical health.
Just need a mindset.
No comments:
Post a Comment