To me, patriotism is about working ethically and wholeheartedly

The words of N. R. Narayana Murthy—“To me, patriotism is about working ethically and wholeheartedly in our chosen field.”—are like a clear stream flowing from the mountain of wisdom. In them lies a vision of loyalty to one’s country not through loud proclamations or empty slogans, but through quiet devotion to excellence, honesty, and labor. True patriotism, Murthy reminds us, is not only about defending borders or waving flags; it is about serving the nation with integrity in whatever task life has entrusted us, whether as farmer or teacher, scientist or artist, builder or leader.

For the ancients always knew that a nation is built not merely by warriors, but by workers of every kind. The glory of Athens lay not only in its soldiers at Marathon, but in its philosophers, architects, and dramatists who labored wholeheartedly for the city’s greatness. The strength of Rome lay not only in its legions, but in the engineers who carved roads across continents, and in the citizens who honored their duties with discipline. To work ethically and with devotion was itself an act of patriotism, for it ensured the flourishing of the community.

Murthy’s words carry special weight, for he is not only a thinker but a builder of enterprises. He speaks as one who helped shape India’s modern economy, proving that through ethical business and relentless effort, prosperity can be created not for oneself alone but for countless others. His vision of patriotism is not confined to battlefields, but extends to offices, factories, schools, and laboratories—everywhere men and women strive to give their best. A nation rises not when a few act heroically, but when the many labor faithfully in their chosen callings.

History offers luminous examples of this truth. Consider Japan in the aftermath of World War II. The nation lay in ruins, yet its people rebuilt not through conquest, but through wholehearted dedication to craft, industry, and education. Workers, artisans, and engineers poured themselves into their fields with discipline and pride, and within decades Japan rose as a beacon of prosperity and innovation. Their patriotism was expressed not through conquest, but through quiet excellence in their chosen fields. So too can every nation find its renewal through this ethic.

We often think of patriotism as something grand and dramatic, but Murthy teaches us that it is also found in the ordinary. When a teacher instructs with patience and truth, when a doctor heals with compassion, when a worker refuses corruption and labors with honesty, these are acts of patriotism as noble as any soldier’s march. For what greater gift can one give to one’s country than to strengthen it with one’s integrity and skill? True loyalty is not in words shouted, but in work well done.

The lesson is clear: if you would love your country, serve it in your field with ethics and wholehearted devotion. Do not cut corners, do not seek only profit or praise, but give your best with sincerity. Whether your task is humble or great, treat it as an offering to your nation. For when each citizen labors thus, corruption fades, mediocrity dies, and the whole people rise together in strength. This is the path of true patriotism, steady and enduring, beyond the noise of empty gestures.

Practical action flows naturally from this wisdom. Examine your own work: do you give your country your best through it? Do you practice honesty, discipline, and care in your craft? Resolve each day to act not only for your gain, but for the greater good. Resist corruption, avoid shortcuts, honor your commitments. In this way, even the smallest task becomes a service to the nation, and every profession becomes a battlefield where patriotism is proven.

Thus, Narayana Murthy’s words endure as a teaching for all ages: love of country is not only in defense, but in creation; not only in slogans, but in service; not only in moments of crisis, but in the quiet constancy of ethical, wholehearted work. Let us pass down this truth to future generations—that a nation’s strength lies not in the loudness of its cries, but in the integrity of its people.