Har Ghar Tiranga is a national campaign by the Indian Government to celebrate India’s 75th year of independence. As the name suggests, the aspiration being that the Indian national flag will be flying proudly from every home. In any other democratic nation, it would not be an issue, however, in India it has brought out the anti-nationals who a problem with it. The vast majority have however embraced this nation building initiative with both hands, with millions logging onto the national website to register their support by sharing a selfie.
Since 2014, India has gradually found its way in the world. Under the leadership of PM Modiji, there is an increase in respect for self, and the nation. When an Indian goes out into the big world using their Indian passport, they are no longer shamed. Western democracies now increasingly having to be very careful that they do not disrespect any Indian since they know that the Government of India will no longer tolerate such overt or covert racism. There is still a long way to go of course, and every Indian needs to do their duty as well. They cannot enjoy the benefits and not sacrifice a bit to safeguard those liberties.
Har Ghar Tiranga in my view should be extended. There should be an expectation by every Indian that every commercial enterprise, be it shops, manufacturing companies, service companies, restaurants, recreational facilities, or any public facing enterprise, that they fly the flag with pride.
In fact, in my view every Indian should expect this wherever they spend their hard-earned money. And if it is not flying, then why on earth would any self-respecting Indian spend their money with those who care so little for the nation and its people? There should be a boycott of any entity that does not fly the flag. It will expose the anti-nationals for what they are, and it will stop funding those who do not always have the interest of the nation as their priority.
Speaking about national interest I was shocked when the movie, ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, was released recently. The initial fanfare was that it was the Bollywood remake of the hit Hollywood movie ‘Forrest Gump’. For those who may not be aware, Forrest Gump was about an American soldier, his life experiences and his part in the Vietnam war serving in the US Army. So, what is the issue you ask?
Did you know that there was a US initiative called, ‘Project 100,000’. This was to recruit 100000 soldiers quickly to help with the war in Vietnam. The project was also known as McNamara's Morons, McNamara's Folly and McNamara's Misfits. Yes, you read that correctly, the US Army had a specific policy to recruit men of low intelligence to the war effort. After all, if they died who cares!
So when Laal Singh Chaddha was made, to many people (and those in our armed forces) it seemed that the prestigious Sikh regiment was being portrayed as being full of low intelligent men who could be sacrificed. Young men and women who put their life on the line for the nation are now being portrayed by Bollywood and Aamir Khan as morons. Can there be a bigger insult?
The Indian people finally woke up and the movie has been boycotted. As far as I know, it has now become a major flop. The two leading actors, Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who hitherto had exhibited huge egos, are now begging an end to the boycott. Hit them in the pocket, and they all fall to their knees!
There is a lesson for all Indians. The silent majority that has been victimised by the extremists and the anti-nationals, have the power to affect change. It’s time to put that power to good use. Jai Hind.
