One person wrote a book, made all its citizens extremely self-superior, gave furious speeches, most citizens in their country supported him, cheered him…His name is Hitler. If you suspect the nationalism of Germans under Hitler, it would be wrong. It became so extreme that they started thinking low of other parts of the world and they paid a hefty price for it. So, the key point is balance.

I know several wonderful people who exhibit their patriotism in other ways. People who distribute food packets to the poor every evening; Those who get involved in civic Exnora, setting up & maintaining local parks; People who serve in orphanages – Most of these people think of themselves as patriots. What I’m saying is – this is probably Vamsi’s point – there is no one way to express your love for your country.

I’m glad that we learnt the history of the world, not just the history of India. If all we learn is the extremely detailed history of India, we’ll be insular frogs in a pond. Love for your country is not the same as ignorance of other countries & cultures. Education’s role is to increase awareness. It is up to the individuals to do extra reading. A school is not spoon-feeding. There is only limited time & within that, they cover as detailed a history of India as possible & then they cover the rest of the world.

My beef with the education system is, they don’t instill a sense of exploration, the desire to learn. But, that’s a different thing.

The common man (and including intellegentsia) doesnt miss to watch the latest movie amidst all trouble… He did not miss an annual picnic amidst all troubles.. He did not miss the daily serial amidst all troubles..

So i feel, your point is not right.. if we have the interest we can learn our history amidst all troubles.. that’s the real patriotism.. that’s why i said, that without interest to learn our culture, history and roots, mere indian is an identity patriotism..

/** What is the real reach of REACH? **/
Please refer http://templesrevival.blogspot.com/ . After i moved out of chennai, i could not participate in the heritage trips.. but i am very well part of the team..
they are doing wonderful service to our heritage.. many temples around chennai, which are in highly dilipated state has been documented.. the famous Uthiramerur temple (where panchayat election was held during chola period) was currently taken for renovation..
Ex-ASI cheif, T S Satyamurthy is heading this REACH team..
Its in a budding stage..

If you are interested in visiting our heritage sites, we would be glad to arrange for you..

/** The true verified up to date history has to be imparted as part of school curriculum. **/

why such detailed indian history has been NOT included so far in our history books is a the question that i am asking.. Any self-respecting & dignified government should have done this..

Today, many of indians have only identity patriotism.. ie, they need an identity in this world.. that’s all.. they are not concerned about other things..

Today, i attended a seminar on indian history conducted by REACH Foundation.. there was lot of valuable historical information that is unknown to majority of the people..

We are largely disconnected to our roots.. and any national who dont know his history cannot be truly patriotic..

Connecting to the roots is the most basic requirement of being patriotic..