‘CELEBRATE PATRIOTISM EVERYDAY’

Cricketer Gautam Gambhir says patriotism shouldn’t an occasional feeling

Patriotism isn’t limited to the field for cricketer Gautam Gambhir. Recently, he took to Twitter to say that patriotism should be a way of life.

In a conversation with us, he says, “Putting any external force (which challenges our sovereignty), in place, alone is not patriotism. Paying taxes, helping the needy, respecting women, discouraging corruption, keeping our country clean, respecting the constitution and simply doing our own job with honesty is patriotism. We need to make it look ‘cool’ to our younger generation.”

He explains, “Have we understood the value of freedom from our elderly who were part of the freedom struggle? Are we ready to pass the baton to our youngsters?... I may not be able to pass on all the freedom struggle tales that I have heard from my grandfather to my daughter. It’s imperative to keep the national pride high throughout the year, and not play ‘Maa Tujhey Salaam’ only on Aug 15th or Jan 26th, and transit to ‘Laila o laila’ the next day.”

He suggests, “It’d be great if we could have the national anthem or a patriotic song play on the TV and radio stations everyday at least once.” Interestingly, after his tweet about it, Fever 104 has acted on his suggestion. The radio station has requested the listeners to send in their favourite patriotic songs to be incorporated in the regular playlist.

The cricket ace shares, “I’ve thought of writing letters to the faujis to thank them. For starters, let’s just say thank you whenever we see a soldier, take an autograph or click a selfie. I am already doing it.”

Patriotism is also paying taxes, respecting women, doing our jobs honestly GAUTAM GAMBHIR, CRICKETER

PHOTO: RAJ K RAJ/HT