Happy Republic Day and I paid the taxes

It’s the 60th Republic Day. Happy Republic Day. I skimmed through Wikipedia to refresh my republic day facts.

I do that every year.

I saw the highlights of the celebrations, saw Indian Idol aspirants sing patriotic songs on a podium reflecting colors of our national flag. I saw the NDTV awards for the best Indian, best political leader and so forth and cried as the daughter of one of the 26/11 martyrs spoke. So much for patriotism…

Oh by the way, what is patriotism? We heard a lot of it before we were independent. The NSG commandos showed patriotism. Are you patriotic? Am I? Are people working for NGOs patriotic? Our politicians are definitely not patriotic. Our forces are.

I worked in an office not too far. Got a salary, a huge amount of which I paid as taxes. Each day traveled to and from a pot holed road, my bones wobbling to the bumpiness and ears nearing deafness from the honking. I curse our government, where are they using our hard earned money? Each day is a new challenge for the basics. In fact, getting my passport renewed is a pain, getting a voter’s card is traumatizing; every government service is a painfully long process.

What am I doing about it?
Paying taxes.

Patriotism in Delhi, patriotism at India Gate, patriotism in Mumbai, patriotism at Taj Hotel, patriotism in Calcutta or Chennai? Patriotism calling Mumbai, Mumbai and not Bombay. I am a proud Indian since I love its Democracy, I love the freedom of speech, I love the night life, I love the fact that we can afford servants in India, I condemn what happened in Mangalore, I hate Sri Ram Sena, I joined the group I love India, I condemn 26/11 Mumbai attacks, I blog about it but what about patriotism.

Oh yes, I paid heavy taxes.