Bhopal: When we talk about patriotism, some people feel upset. They say do not teach them patriotism. This is true that nobody can teach patriotism, it comes from inside. Patriotism is in our blood. It emerges whenever opportunity appears. If the talk of patriotism hurts anyone, let them we will act as we wish. This view was expressed by the special guest of the concluding session and the famous film actor Anupam Kher at the three day Lok-Manthan programme. The programme was organized under the joint aegis of Culture Department Madhya Pradesh, Bharat Bhavan and Pragya Pravah organization.
Kher further mentioned that topics like intolerance and patriotism have been raised intentionally in the last two-three years. When discussion on intolerance took place, Bhartiya inside me awoke and has told me this is no time to keep quite. Hence, I opposed the intolerance openly. Kher said that people make efforts to neglect people who talk about the patriotism. Question is why we should be protective to talk about the patriotism. He said that he is a Kashmiri Pandit and he has patriotism in his blood. The Kasmiri Pandit never spoke against country despite they have been banished. He mentioned that Nation should come first for every Indian. No finger prints matches others means every individual is unique. We all have different identities but our first identification is that we are Indians.
The Chief Guest of the concluding session Boddha Religious Guru Somdong Rinpoche describing the time of Lok-Manthan the right time said that this will be a new direction. Lok-Manthan has importance because by admitting the views on country, period and situations has given importance to Nation First concept. Today all the four situations are not simple. Pollution is at its peak in the country. There is no clean water. Velocity of speed and stability of situation has created a bizarre situation. Everyone talks about challenges but not solution. Maximum increase in violence is seen in the form of war and terrorism.
Humans are not feeling safe anywhere. He further said that Mahabharata war had come to an end within 18 days but Vietnam war continued for18 years. To keep their weapons market intact, violence took place and it is continuing till date. He said that plastic is held responsible for pollution but we never talk to stop plastic production.