When I was a student, our teacher once asked the meaning of patriotism? I raised my hand and replied that holding ‘subz hilali parcham’ and chanting slogans in streets ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ on Independence Day defined patriotism. With the passage of time, I grew up and realized that I was wrong, and patriotism is loving and also taking care of our beloved motherland just like a mother takes care of her child. Loving your country also means obeying the laws, paying taxes and your utility bills. Acquiring and imparting knowledge and simple things such as proper disposing of garbage in a health-friendly manner, hence taking steps collectively and individually for the betterment of our beloved country is the real meaning of patriotism.
NISAR HUSSAIN,
Baluchistan, August 9.