Yesterday I posted this poll out of plain curiosity but the results kept nagging me.

A few people have replied No when asked if they would boycott Chinese goods. A few more don't really care. But most of them were affirmative. 1/n https://twitter.com/RoshaniH81/status/1260412604247183360

It is not a hidden fact that #coronavirus is not just a little national issue but a global problem. Lakhs of people have lost their lives around the globe.

At this hour all of us Indians need to unite & together fight against this common enemy. 2/n

Unfortunately, some of us do not feel the need to do so. I brand such people as unpatriotic.

Yes, you read that right. According to me they are not patriots. This is not a political problem but a crisis upon the entire Nation. 3/n

'Who is a patriot?' - you might ask.

Let me define it - patriotism is the quality of being patriotic. In other words, devotion to and vigorous support for one's country. 4/n

It is the quality or trait of being loyal to one's country. I strongly think it has nothing to do with politics.

You might have any political affiliation but it should not stop you from being loyal to your country or doing what's right for it. 5/n

For some people, their religion or personal agendas come above and before the Nation.

I do not say that they should not follow their religion, they shoul. But as a citizen they HAVE to follow the laws & rules laid down by the country they live in. 6/n

So how does one become a patriot? This quality should be inculcated through parents and the right kind of education.

Parents can shape the thoughts of their kids by teaching them about our great land & take pride in it. 7/n

For me being a patriot comes naturally. I owe it to my upbringing and my parents, specially my Mom.

She used to tell me stories of our great kings and queens, how great our country is, the rich history and culture and so much more. 8/n

If one desires to read about or explore our Nation, it will take an entire lifetime. There is so much to learn about India!

Here's a little sneak peak. A thread that I posted a few months ago on our #IncredibleIndia 9/n https://twitter.com/RoshaniH81/status/1223979442730463233?s=19

Naturally it baffles me when I see people not only criticising but insulting our Nation.

But I shouldn't be surprised. There are Jaichands in every era and kingdom. 10/n

We hoist the National Flag on Republic Day & Independence Day and sing patriotic songs. We celebrate these two days with lot of fervour.

However, selective patriotism is not enough. What we do as a citizen for the rest of the 363 days is important. 11/n

- Follow traffic rules
- Do not bribe
- Be honest in your work & life

These are just a few examples that define what kind of a citizen you are.

If all of us together strive to be honest & responsible citizens, imagine what this Nation can achieve! 12/n

If the foundation is weak, the building is weak but if the foundation is strong, the building can withstand all weathers for decades or centuries. 13/n

Similarly, we are the building blocks of our country. Together we can have an impact on how the Nation's future takes shape.

Let us be responsible citizens who can carve a bright future for our Nation. Thank you.

Jai Hind.