You are patriotic when you condemn and fight for fellow

The Indian athlete and outspoken voice, Jwala Gutta, once declared: “You are patriotic when you condemn and fight for fellow citizens. That is patriotism for me.” In these words she shattered the illusion that patriotism is blind loyalty or unquestioning praise of one’s nation. Instead, she reminds us that true love of country is shown in the courage to speak against injustice and to fight on behalf of one’s brothers and sisters. For a nation is not merely its symbols, flags, or leaders—it is the people. To defend them, to raise one’s voice for their dignity and well-being, is the highest form of loyalty.

The origin of this wisdom lies in Gutta’s own experience as an athlete who represented her country on the world stage, while also confronting the struggles and challenges of speaking out against unfair systems. She understood that patriotism is not silent compliance, but active guardianship. In saying these words, she gave voice to an ancient truth: that love of one’s land is empty unless it is matched by love of one’s people, and love of the people is proven not by applause, but by action—even when that action requires condemnation of wrongs.

History offers us noble examples of this truth. Consider Mahatma Gandhi, who loved India not by flattering its rulers or bowing to oppression, but by condemning injustice and leading his people in nonviolent struggle. His patriotism was not docile submission; it was a relentless fight for the dignity of fellow citizens. By walking barefoot with the poor, by fasting, by enduring prison, Gandhi showed that to love one’s country is to fight for its people, not merely to honor its name.

In another land, across the seas, Martin Luther King Jr. lived this same truth. Though accused by some of being unpatriotic for challenging the laws of his nation, King declared that it was precisely because he loved America that he demanded it live up to its own creed of liberty and justice for all. His marches, his sermons, his sacrifices were born not of hatred, but of profound patriotism—a patriotism that condemned what was unjust so that his fellow citizens could be free.

The deeper meaning of Jwala Gutta’s words is this: patriotism is not passive, nor is it blind. To blindly praise a nation while ignoring the suffering of its citizens is not loyalty, but betrayal. True patriotism is both fierce and compassionate—it condemns corruption, discrimination, and neglect, because it cannot bear to see its brothers and sisters suffer. It does not look away from injustice; it confronts it. And in this confrontation lies the purest form of love: a willingness to endure criticism, hardship, and even persecution, for the sake of one’s people.

The lesson is clear: if you love your country, prove it not with empty words, but with action for your fellow citizens. Stand with the weak, defend the oppressed, speak against wrongs even when they are committed by your own leaders or systems. This is not disloyalty; it is the truest loyalty, for you are fighting for the soul of your nation. To remain silent in the face of injustice is not patriotism, but cowardice.

Practically, this means cultivating courage and responsibility in daily life. Do not be afraid to raise your voice against corruption, prejudice, or neglect in your community. Support your fellow citizens not only in great struggles but in small acts of solidarity—helping the needy, defending the voiceless, and insisting on fairness where you can. In every act of justice, however small, you strengthen the fabric of your country.

So remember, children of tomorrow: you are patriotic when you condemn and fight for fellow citizens. That is patriotism. Not silence, not blind praise, not empty slogans, but the brave defense of people. Let your patriotism burn not as a shallow flame upon a banner, but as a living fire in your heart for those who stand beside you. For in defending your fellow citizens, you defend the nation itself, and in fighting for their dignity, you honor your homeland with the truest love.