By patriotism we mean genuine love for one's own country. Patriotism must not be misinterpreted as one's hatred for other countries. If one loves his own country and hates other countries, then it is nationalism rather than patriotism.
Mother and the motherland are superior to the heaven. We do never lose our honour for our mother even if she does not love us. Similarly we respect our country in all situations. We are indebted to our motherland where we are born and brought up. It is our moral duty to keep her head high.
Patriotism is a virtue which can be expressed in different ways. A true patriot tries to do something for the development of his country.
When Abraham Lincoln was a child he noticed the misery of the slaves in America. He liked America but did not like the slavery system. So when he became the President of America he abolished the ugly system and established democracy.
Thus, he did some noble thing to keep up the prestige of his country. So he is a true patriot. India is also proud of being the motherland of great patriots like Rana Pratap, Shivaji, M.K.Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose. History is full of praise for these figures. They dedicated themselves to the cause of their dear motherland. M.K.Gandhi gave up his personal interest and struggled for the interest of our country. Nelson Mandela of South Africa is also a true patriot.
A patriot is different from a politician. A politician shows no genuine love for any idea or for his country. Of course, patriots often indulge in politics. But they do not play dirty politics.
Today, many touts and politicians claim that they are patriots. But in their activities they are antinational. They give secret shelter to terrorists. Their main aim is to reap some selfish gain for themselves. A true patriot never advertises. Patriotism is much different from narrowness.
THE BIG QUESTION IS, WHO IS A PATRIOT? IN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT
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