Infusing Patriotism in Curriculum

 

                                         

Every state has heroes whose work motivates us in contributing our best for the society and the Nation as a whole. Let me cite an example of patriotism that one finds in the state of  Maharashtra regarding Shivaji Maharaj. Nationalistic approach in Maharashtra is much higher in many cases, but how that happened? It is due to the fact that a patriotic factor called shivaji worked there. Shivaji has entered everyone’s brain and it has been able to influence people from different works of life. Process of knowing Shivaji starts from KG level classes, where only the picture of Shivaji is given and below that his name is written, then in the next class students come to know about his birth date and year. Students after that come to know about his parents and childhood. Gradually one after another class, students come to know his achievements, wars and his rule, how he stopped Mughals entering Maharashtra. So the students have continuous study on Shivaji in gradation and continue the same up to degree, Master degree and Research. Even the layman of that state can speak a few lines on Shivaji in one breath.

We also have a great personality in our state (Assam) contemporary to  Shivaji Maharaj, who also fought against the same enemy that was Aurangazeb - he is Lachit Borphukan. Lachit Borphukan is the pride of North east . The role played by  Shivaji in safe guarding  Maharashtra from  Aurangzeb’s  invasion was glorified to the needed level in the context of the state Maharashtra and the nation as a whole and in  contrast to that, same thing was done by Lachit Borphukan for the N. E. India which is yet to find its due place for the state Assam and nation in general.  

 The strange thing is that our knowledge regarding Lachit Borphukan is minimal and rotates around his name only. A counted few among us know in details, regarding the contribution of this personality. When anybody ask us regarding Lachit Borphukan we conclude by saying his famous statement, “ Desh hot koi Mumai Danger nahoi” means My Uncle is not bigger than my country and also that he was a great General and won wars against Mugals, that much knowledge regarding him is present with us  . But unfortunately the great factor of patriotism like Lachit Borphukan is gradually loosing grip among our young stars. Even the bravery tales of this legend is disappearing as a transmitting  factor from one generation to another. If we interview randomly any passerby and ask him/her  a few questions regarding Lachit Borphukan than we are bound to get a shocking picture. Questions like- When Lachit Borphukan was born?, Who were the parents of Lachit Borphukan?, How many wars Lachit borphukan fought against Mugals – Surprisingly these questions would turn to be very difficult  to reply. But why? That is not the fact of Maharashtra , any person belonging to that state feel proud to relate himself or herself with Shivaji. That is a patriotic feeling which ultimately leads to Nationalistic approach. Here in Assam we failed to know our real Hero and to develop the patriotic feelings among our young generation, which is sufficient to give Nationalistic approach.

Lachit Borphukan

We need to understand that development and evolution of any state, regions or community has a story of handful of people, who were strong, brave, determined and changed the scenario of their place. They are our HEROES. Our heroes are the patriotic factor which can infuse patriotism among us. We need these factors to inculcate among our children – bravery, patriotism, determination and strong will power. Love for the Nation can be generated only through these factors, shown by our HEROES.

It can be concluded that there need to have deep study of life and achievement of Lachit Borphukan but in a gradation form,  starting from KG/ primary to the highest education irrespective of any branch and stream a student studies. Let the achievement, valour and patriotism of Lachit Bar Phukan enter our mind and heart then definitely knowing complete Lachit Bar Phukan can make us roar like a lion.

                                                    

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