I was born in 1943. I was four years old, when I saw everyone going around with flags in Kovvur, West Godavari, I was too young to understand what was going on and what patriotism was all about. At that age, we would wait for a big treat in school that came in the form of screening a film. Speaking of our country, a man is always weak when he is single but he draws strength from his siblings or family. Then the family gets its strength from the community and it goes on.
The bigger the group, the deeper and wider is the feeling of oneness. As the boundary extends, the country becomes that one big family and you tend to feel that every Indian is your person and his pain becomes yours. We should have pride and a sense of fairness in giving a judgement when it comes to history. If something is wrong, agree to it, accept it. If we are great, our culture is great, there is nothing wrong in proclaiming it, there shouldn’t be any hesitation. Show your large-heartedness and give respect to all; every person has the right to pursue his own will as long as it doesn’t affect anyone. All religions lead to one god. If they belittle our religion, we shouldn’t keep quiet. There is a difference between forgiveness and inefficiency. There is a limit to tolerance.
Lata Mangeshkar’s Aiy Mere Watan Ke Logon is my favourite song, my eyes go moist whenever I listen to it. I love my country, I won’t hesitate a moment to give up my life for it. My role model is Chatrapathi Sivaji, he is beyond Maharashtra and he is a hero of our nation.
