IS PATRIOTISM JUST ABOUT WAVING A FLAG ON CONSTITUTION DAY?

Patriotism is often visually symbolized by the waving of a national flag, especially during significant occasions like Constitution Day. In Nepal, as in many countries, these displays evoke strong feelings of national pride and unity. However, reducing patriotism to mere ceremonial acts—such as raising the flag or singing the national anthem on designated holidays—risks trivializing what it truly means to love and serve one’s country. The question then arises: Is patriotism just about waving a flag on Constitution Day, or does it encompass a deeper, ongoing commitment to the nation and its people?

At its core, patriotism involves a sense of belonging, loyalty, and responsibility toward one’s country. While symbolic gestures like flag-waving can inspire collective identity and remind citizens of shared values and history, they are only surface expressions. True patriotism goes beyond rituals; it is reflected in everyday actions that contribute to the nation’s well-being and progress. This includes respecting laws, participating in democratic processes, engaging in community service, protecting the environment, and standing up against injustice. Patriotism demands active citizenship rather than passive displays.

In Nepal, Constitution Day is a significant moment that celebrates the country’s hard-won democratic ideals and the commitment to inclusivity, justice, and sovereignty. Yet, merely participating in ceremonies on this day without internalizing these values risks reducing patriotism to performative nationalism. When citizens wave flags but remain indifferent to social issues such as corruption, inequality, or human rights violations, the spirit of patriotism is diminished. The flag then becomes a decorative symbol rather than a beacon of collective responsibility.

Furthermore, the focus on symbolic patriotism can overshadow critical reflection on the nation’s challenges. Genuine love for Nepal requires acknowledging its flaws and working toward solutions rather than uncritical praise. This involves questioning policies that marginalize certain groups, advocating for transparency, and fostering unity in diversity. Patriotism should encourage constructive criticism and dialogue, not blind loyalty or exclusion.

There is also a danger that flag-waving can become politicized or co-opted for divisive purposes, turning a unifying symbol into a tool for partisan agendas. When patriotism is equated with conformity or unquestioning support for those in power, it loses its meaning as a force for justice and collective good. True patriotism empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable and to demand that the nation lives up to its constitutional promises.

In Nepal’s multicultural and multiethnic society, patriotism must be inclusive and respectful of diversity. It should celebrate the richness of different cultures, languages, and traditions that together form the nation. This inclusive patriotism strengthens social cohesion and counters forces that seek to divide based on identity. Waving a flag can be a powerful moment of unity, but only if it represents a commitment to protect the rights and dignity of all Nepalis.

Ultimately, patriotism is a continuous practice rather than a momentary act. It lives in the choices individuals make daily—whether in education, work, or social relations—that build the nation’s future. It is the dedication to a shared vision of Nepal as a just, prosperous, and harmonious society. Waving the flag on Constitution Day can be a meaningful symbol of this commitment, but it must be accompanied by actions that embody the nation’s ideals every day.

In conclusion, patriotism is far more than waving a flag on Constitution Day. While such ceremonies serve as important reminders of national identity and history, true patriotism is reflected in ongoing responsibility, active participation, and unwavering dedication to the country’s democratic and inclusive values. For Nepal to thrive, its citizens must move beyond symbolic gestures to embrace a patriotism rooted in meaningful action and social solidarity.