THE MODERN PATRIOT

In a world where the lines between tradition and modernity blur, India’s youth are rewriting the script of what it means to be patriotic. Hoisting and waving tricolour flags outside our balconies or dutifully standing for the national anthem in theatres, one might assume that patriotism has been relegated to a series of mechanical rituals. Beneath the veneer of these traditions, there’s a more profound and dynamic expression of national pride at play — one that is catching the world’s eye.

Wave of Activism

Consider the wave of social media activism that has swept across the nation, transforming the digital and social landscape into a battlefield for social justice, environmental conservation, and economic equity. Hashtags like #HarGharTiranga2024 are more than just trends. They are rallying cries that mobilise millions, turning Independence Day into an opportunity for collective action rather than passive observance.

New Age Patriots

Shardul Vihan (21), silver medalist at the 2018 Asian Games and the youngest Indian shooter to win a medal at the games, embodies this shift. Shardul’s initial understanding of patriotism was conventional — limited to the valour of soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. However, his perspective evolved dramatically when he saw the Indian tricolour being hoisted on foreign soil. He says, “Patriotism isn’t just confined to the battlefield. It manifests in countless ways to contribute to the nation’s glory — whether in sports, education, or even digital platforms.”

Ridhima Pandey, (16) an environmentalist often dubbed the ‘Greta Thunberg of India’ took to activism during the devastating Kedarnath flash floods in 2013. “Learning about climate change made me realise that I must do something to save my future and the future of the coming generations,” she explains.

Growing up in Odisha’s coastal village of Gundalaba, Soumya Ranjan Biswal (27) witnessed the killings of thousands of vulnerable species (Olive Ridley Sea Turtle) by illegal trawlers. He committed himself to environmental conservation. As a United Nations-India Yuwaah Advocate, Biswal spearheaded initiatives like the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan, a community-driven nature conservation movement focusing on the protection of Olive Ridley sea turtles, mangrove ecosystems for prevention of cyclones and tsunamis, and coastal vegetation. He says, “India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, protecting this biodiversity is, to me, an expression of patriotism at its core.”

Young Changemakers

India’s youth are increasingly turning to digital platforms to express their patriotism. Social media has become a powerful tool for activism and advocacy. Shardul says that social media has made getting heard easier. “It has positively affected the popularity of lesser-known sports like mine. However, it has also made it easier for people to opine without knowing everything about an issue, leading to polarization or bullying.” Ridhima recalls the Saal Bhar Saath campaign on the good AQI of cities like Delhi during the lockdown that received a lot of support online. People from almost 100 cities participated. “Following sustainable practices is integrated with being proud of our nation and following our ancestors' footsteps,” she says.

Challenges Galore
But this new brand of patriotism is not without its challenges. The digital landscape is volatile. “Differing ideas of what is good for the nation and what isn’t is the sole challenge. In this digital environment, mass rage is a quick, unwanted issue,” he observes.

Biswal credits social media as a cornerstone of his activism, crucial in guiding, motivating, and sustaining his efforts toward a sustainable future. He used social media to draw attention to issues like sea turtle mortalities, illegal fishing, and the degradation of mangroves, often criticising the government. However, connecting with Shri Abhyudaya Rajiv Kelkar on Facebook shifted his approach emphasising the need to educate and mobilize rural communities to create a mass movement for conservation. Biswal established the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan in 2014, marking the start of his leadership journey. Social media not only amplified his efforts but also connected him with supporters and experts, providing moral support and fundraising opportunities.

Be The Change