Instilling a sense of Patriotism in Children

The present generation badly lacks the sense of patriotism and religious pride. If this situation continues, our nation will be full of future citizens that don’t feel belonged to their country. So it is imperative for parents to try to develop sense of patriotism in their children. Otherwise they cannot develop an understanding or need for making sacrifice for the welfare of society and nation when they grow up. The Israelites scattered all over the world would come together even after so many generations because of strong sense of nationalism inherited by them from their forefathers.

Developing a sense of patriotism begins with studying history. History should be studied in a global context not only as an academic subject to get good marks in but as a source to develop patriotism. The parents and teachers should imbibe the same outlook then only they can change way of thinking of children. If our next generation doesn’t have any affection towards our nation, then it is possible that the country becomes a colony of yet another super power. Provoke your children with questions on how they feel if they see our national flag strewn on the ground? Or go deep into the concept of making sacrifices. Help them to forgo a meal or a dress for a lesser privileged inorder to understand the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to achieve freedom . They should be encouraged to view such movies and documentaries on our freedom fighters so that they can develop love and respect for our nation.

Children must be taken to Shakti sthal and Amar jyoti Jawan to pay respect and be grateful to those freedom fighters and revolutionaries who spent their valuable lives in jail. Play some documentaries on how life is in a jail so that they actually know how it feels and what it means for a leader to go into jail. Likewise expose them to the various battalions in the country which can be done during the Republic Day parade, to incite similar feelings for the soldiers engaged in guarding the borders of our nation. Show them the difficult conditions and freezing temperatures at which these soldiers perform their duty. The concept that the sacrifice for nation is higher and of greater value than personal satisfaction should be made clear by making them do good deeds and asking them how they felt to make one poor person smile today because of their act? Only the love for nation will not suffice to inculcate the sense of sacrifice for nation, since this can develop selfishness and ego in their minds.

The readiness to sacrifice for nation can only be inculcated by having a firm religious grounding because only that can remove ego. Children don’t know who are enemies are, because it doesn’t bother them. No longer are children called to be part of rescue operations or to be part of the war effort so they don’t feel responsible for the decisions hat their country makes. Children must also be taught fundamentals of their rights, duties and the basic law so that when they grow up they are mature and well informed of their roles as citizens.