With Independence Day around the corner, Team Explore wanted to get children to share what they loved about their country on KIDS Speak. We went with our cameras asking children what they liked about their country – this question proved a little tougher for our children than I thought!
Most had nothing really nice to say about India. They struggled to find something pleasant to say. One child even turned around and said, “There is nothing nice about my country, it is stinky!” Most felt under pressure and quickly mustered up comments about Indian symbols such as the Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, festivals and food. The best answer we got (after interviewing many) was that India has the 4th largest military. Finally, yippee! All these children were from private English medium schools.
We then visited children from less privileged schools. Were they more positive? Yes, a lot more! Many even said the magic words- “I love” my country (something I did not hear from the first lot.) However, there was an air of discontent over a few issues with these children too.
What troubled our children seemed to be common across both groups. They hated the filth, the pollution, and the roads. Some also picked on corruption- stuff we adults talk a lot about, and the media writes a lot about. Unfortunately, we also see it the moment we walk outside our houses.
Although our country is rife with issues, national pride is still important. Research has shown that feeling good about your country makes you a lot happier overall. Children grow up a lot happier and confident, when they love their country and appreciate their roots. Should we, as parents, focus a little more on the positive? There are many, if we search them out! After all, the zero, chess, and even plastic surgery was discovered in India. We are the largest democracy, have the largest postal system, the oldest civilization, more than 25 UNESCO world heritage sites, and much more to offer the world.
As a generation, we are depressed about our country’s progress, but should we transfer this unhappiness to our children? How will they belong, how will they grow up to love their country enough to want to change it?
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