Since we are posting our inner thoughts today let me continue.BijuShet wrote:RayC would it be correct on my part to assume that you consider the man who stands post for his country as more patriotic than the one who does not?RayC wrote: Yes.
It need not be at the border.
I consider all Indians as patriotic unless they have acted against the interests of mother India. When you measure an Indian's patriotism that itself is divisive. We, the people, recognize courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation in the form of awards for bravery and service to the nation. These awards are presented to military and civilians alike by the elected representative of Govt of India. I agree that not all feats are recognized and courage such as shown by Munna's family will only get a silent salute from all of us.
Please recognize that serving in the military is a privilege and an honor not available to all Indians due to economic hardship or physical inadequacy. It can also be due to ones own failure in qualifying for admission to the forces. OTOH, the option to be recognized as an Indian requires no merit other than those specified by Indian citizenship laws. By serving in uniform you have had the privilege and honor of calling yourself a soldier for India but that does not make you a better patriot or more Indian than the rest of us. Your service in your own words has been recognized by Govt of India by the various medals and for that you have our eternal gratitude. But that service alone does not bestow on you more intellect to decide what is good for India either. We take offense to that particular line of logic shown by you many times in your posts.