Take pride in India and work for change

Young India does not want to be bogged down by the negative image painted about the country, day in and day out. Take pride in what you admire and address the nation's deficiencies boldly,
is their call.

We must be proud of our power to elect governments

Women in some countries are not allowed to vote but I am happy that I have not been denied of my right to elect those whom I want as rulers.

The power of choosing a government, of having the rights and privileges to fight against injustice makes me a proud Indian citizen. We are the largest democracy in the world and are given freedom in the right sense. We can elect people we want and bring the government down if it fails to do its job. We enjoy many rights that people of many countries are denied.

Our historical and cultural heritage leaves me overwhelmed. My country is beautiful and so are the people. The government should make efforts to put people’s potential to good use . We should preserve our historical sites, care for the nature and educate people.

The corruption scams, ruining of architecture, pollution, population are marring the country’s image and beauty. Strict action should be taken against those who damage our heritage. We should develop the infrastructure for the standard of living of the rural people to improve.

Sumati Surwase, student

I am proud of the armed forces and I want the education system to be overhauled
India is united in spite of its diversity. I am proud of the soldiers, who serve in the Indian Armed Forces and work 24 hours to keep the nation secure.

Indians have many things to be proud of but we also have millions of problems and issues troubling our nation.  

Our country needs to work on our education system, which is not reaching the masses in the right way. We should promote and include subjects such as technology, science and research work, as they are the need of the hour.

If education reaches everyone, it will make our citizens aware about their rights, which they have been deprived of. Such an awareness will reduce corruption and the country will be administered in a better manner. 

The government needs to be transparent and efficient in its functioning. Educating people is the only way to solve problems of corruption, poverty, power deficit, crime and of clashes due to religion.

Vishwas Wagmode, student facilitator

I am a part of the world’s largest democracy and want everybody to think of India as one nation
I am a part of the world’s largest democracy. Every morning, seeing young India go to school taking small steps, makes me proud and gives me satisfaction that my nation is on the right path.

The significant position that our country holds at the international platform, growing economy, recent success in sports, growing defense capabilities, research and education gives me an assurance that we all can look forward to a bright future.

No individual, organisation or country can be perfect. Why do we lack in many areas despite having a huge potential? The answer lies with every individual.

System is nothing, but a group of people. Corruption and nepotism are hampering our strengths and resources. For our individual benefits we support these evils and shun our responsibilities toward our nation. Everyone thinks only about their self-interests. Why can’t we think as one nation? If we want India to continue growing, we need to start thinking as a nation.

Naresh Garg, software engineer

Let's use our innovative and inventive minds for India's development
Indians are working all over the world. Our engineers and doctors are contributing to the development of not only our nation but also the world. We  work for society and not for individuals.

The world has benefited from our  inventions since the ancient times. In every nook and corner of the world, there is an Indian working day and night to make a difference. We are global people in true sense. The best part is that we aren’t pompous. We do our work sincerely. We are people with big hearts and wear our hearts on our sleeves.

Where can you find such loving and adaptable people? We can adjust to any climate and any region as since our childhood we have been taught the virtue of unity in diversity. Hence, I am proud to have been born as an Indian. Our priority now should be controlling our population and using our resources to the best so that problems such as poverty are uprooted. Inequality stops us from achieving our goals.

We should make an effort to treat all equally. We should see that every person earns some amount which will provide him and his family proper meals for the day.

Swapnil Nirmale, standard X student

The achievement by women in all walks of life inspires me
I am proud to be born in the land of saints, yoga and Ayurveda. My country has given the world tons of gifts in the form of inventions. The world depends on us in many ways.

Our land is wealthy in everything. If we are able to control the malpractices, we will leave the world behind in every requisite.
I am happy being a part of the country which has a woman president and a city which has a woman police commissioner.

I am proud to see women working in offices without fear and girls studying and walking with heads held high. If women are not given freedom and respect and are not allowed to grow in the same way as men, it will be difficult to progress as a nation.

There are many flaws and faults in our society, but still this country is the safest and best for women to perceive a career and build a family at the same time. When all citizens develop such liberal attitude, it will revolutionise society.

Snehal Laute, student

The land of Gandhi and Tendulkar has tremendous potential
 I am humbled being a part of a country where people such as Gandhi, Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Sachin Tendulkar have taken birth.

The way we fought for our freedom, the way we live united today in joint family system, the love we share, manner in which we respect all religious sentiments; make me proud. We youngsters may be influenced by the western culture but by heart, we will always be true Indians.

We are changing with times keeping our integrity and culture intact. The only change I am looking forward to is equality among the masses and classes. We need to let go of all reservations on paper and in our minds to flourish as one society.

Pankaj Nandurkar, student

My nation has developed a strong industrial base and is beginning to excel in sports
Corruption has become an epidemic that is spreading and making our nation weak. From rickshawallas to corporate honchos, all are suffering from this disease.

The rickshaw drivers fleece passengers for an extra buck and the grocery shop owners put fake maximum retail price (MRP) labels on the products. The average middle-class Indian can do nothing but ponder why onion prices had suddenly gone up. Citizens come across such situations everyday but are helpless.

The most important thing for the government is to control population, communalism and terrorism. Despite of all these problems, people here are aware of their nationality which makes me proud.

We share certain basic values and a common cultural heritage. I am proud of our position in the world. India has developed a strong industrial base, an ambitious space programme and is doing excellent in sports.

Sanket Oswal, standard XII student

India is truly an example of a multi-cultural society and I am proud to be a part of it
There is no country in the world which houses so many cultures and religions under one umbrella. We live in union though inspite of the diversity in taste, culture, clothes and food. This unity in diversity is our strength and pride. We believe in god not religion and live with each other with peace and harmony.

Indians are known all over the world due to this quality. I am proud to be a part of this society.

I am a die hard fan of the Indian Army. The passion the army executes is overwhelming. Their dedication and sacrifice brings tears to my eyes. They are the people because of whom I can go out without fear and know that I will come back home safe. We need to make our country powerful and strong internally otherwise the efforts of our defense forces of protecting our exteriors will all go waste.

Today, we need to deal with corruption and environmental issues such as global warming.  This problem is global and instead of blaming each other we should start working at the local level to improve the situation.

Pritesh Malpure, standard XII student

I am happy to see the young generation still following their traditions and culture
I am proud to be an Indian and to see the young generation still following their traditions and culture. Our rich culture differentiates us from the others. The joint family tradition is intact in every Indian which is something to be proud of.

Wherever we live, we never forget our families. We earn for the family and not for ourselves. This sharing and caring is the most endearing part of Indians.

I am proud to say that I belong to the land of the saints and sanskars. The change I am looking forward to in our country is the change of attitude towards the underprivileged class. We live in the illusion of elite and popular class. We have to embrace our rural population to grow and develop.

Our refrigerators and cupboards should be filled with local, rural goods and not imported ones. The farmer should become our hero than any brand.

Our news channels and media should come up with shows depicting our culture and rural people. This will bring about the needed change. Our young generation needs to see how the elders strive to make a living when the world is dancing away in the pubs. Hopefully, we will see the transformation of minds and evolution of ideas for making India strong in all dimensions.

Ashok Shirod, senior citizen

Joining the army is the best way to serve the nation
What makes me proud to be an Indian is serving in the defense forces. It is the best way of expressing your love for the nation. The urge to join the defense service was there in me right from the college days.

A career in the Indian Armed Forces makes you proud. The youth must be made aware of the pride one gets in serving the nation by joining the defense forces. It is the best way to channelise youth energy and instil discipline in them.

Through defense training, you can infuse self-confidence and self-discipline in the youth, so that they can serve the nation first, then society and themselves later.

The biggest problem that India faces today, which needs immediate attention, is corruption. It is spreading not only in the government sector but in every strata of society. Getting rid of corruption is a huge task and should be given priority if we want to progress. We have to direct the youth towards having the right goals.

Healthcare facilities should be provided to everyone, especially to senior citizens. There is a huge gap between the common man, politicians and the administrative officers. It is important to make today’s youth aware of the ecological concerns that are dangerous to the country.

Col (retd) Sadanand Salunke, Vir Chakra recipient