UPSC Ethics Simplified: What is patriotism and who embodies it more—soldiers or civilians?

Indian Express

18-05-2025

UPSC Ethics Simplified draws attention to topics related to applied ethics, especially those making headlines. Recently, UPSC has been focusing on contemporary issues and posing ethical questions to candidates. In the past, we have examined pollution, war, sports, finance, international relations, bureaucracy and judiciary through the lens of ethics. Today, Nanditesh Nilay, who writes fortnightly for UPSC Essentials, discusses a pressing question —what is patriotism, and who embodies it more—soldiers or civilians?
We are just three months away from August—a month forever etched in the heart of every Indian as a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, and national pride. As the nation prepares to commemorate its independence, we saw our country facing a different kind of conflict—one defined by terrorism and uncertainty.
In response to terrorism, our armed forces carried out an unparalleled mission—Operation Sindoor—which successfully destroyed numerous terrorist hideouts. India stood united, demonstrating a powerful surge of patriotic fervour in one voice.
Undoubtedly, the Indian Armed Forces once again proved to the world that a soldier embodies patriotism, and patriotism lives through the soldier. In India, patriotism wears a uniform.
The daily press conferences served as a testament to this truth. A soldier is trained to fight and defend the nation—and, without hesitation, is prepared to lay down his or her life for the protection of the motherland.
What about the civilians who are equally patriotic—those who carry their own script of devotion to the nation? In their narrative, certainty often outweighs the uncertainties faced by soldiers. Yet, their commitment to the country can be just as intense.
Do they feel the same urgency for the nation—a sense that nothing is more important than the country itself? It raises a timeless question: What is patriotism, and who embodies it more—soldiers or civilians?
The meaning of patriotism is defined in the standard dictionary, i.e., love for one's country. In political philosophy, and particularly in the works of Stephen Nathanson, who explores the subtle issues surrounding patriotism, a few key points emerge. Nathanson believes that special affection for one's country, a concern for the well-being of the country, and a willingness to promote ideas or actions that can benefit the country are central to the essence of patriotism.
Simon Keller, while examining patriotism, suggests that the spirit of patriotism involves a deeper commitment to the country, where the ethical virtues of the self and the nation are aligned and objective.
And what about the subject of morality in patriotism?
There are different types of patriotism, including the extreme version championed by Machiavelli, where the moral question of right or wrong is often set aside in favor of national loyalty. In contrast, philosopher Marcia Baron advocated for a more moderate or liberal form of patriotism. She believed that 'with respect to certain matters and within limits, it is good for an American to judge as an American, and to put American interests first.'
While soldiers prioritize the defense of their country, what about the middle class and their interests? Patriotism is often defined as love and devotion to one's country—the gravitational pull that attracts soldiers to serve. Beyond politics, religion, caste, or class — it is rooted in a people's love and integrity for their country, their fellow citizens, and their nation.
Those who reside on a piece of land must show the utmost love, care, and integrity for that space—not just as individuals but by fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and care for all who constitute the national ecosystem. This collective sense of duty is what drives the pride in defending and protecting the motherland.
Gratitude, in this context, becomes the central virtue of patriotism. Maurizio Viroli writes, 'We have a moral obligation towards our country because we are indebted to it. We owe our country our life, our education, our language, and, in most fortunate cases, our liberty. If we want to be moral persons, we must return what we have received, at least in part, by serving the common good.'
Why not civilians, too? If you were asked this question in India's most difficult personality test—the UPSC interview—what should come to mind? It is believed that all citizens love their country as deeply as anyone. But do soldiers commit themselves to the country solely because of their work or responsibility? There is something spiritual in patriotism that resonates deeply among soldiers in uniform. Does this same spirit flow as strongly through the veins of other citizens? Do civilians in particular get influenced by the echoes of religion and caste?
An illiterate person may have an excuse, but what about the so-called literate and resourceful class at the top of society? What is even more discouraging and hurtful is when some weave the narrative of religion around soldiers, too. How would you answer such questions in your examination or interview, and, more importantly, as a future civil servant serving and facing society? Think, dear aspirants.
There is an interesting story of Siyaram. This hero of R.K. Narayan's novel 'Waiting for the Mahatma' meets Bapu but hesitates to sit near him. However, he promises that in the next meeting, he will appear as a new Siyaram. It is here that Mahatma Gandhi explains to him the meaning of independence—that independence does not mean becoming something new, but rather understanding oneself with a sense of humanity and knowing oneself better.
Here, as civilians who do not understand the meaning of independence, we have missed something. We began to strive to become 'someone or something else.'
The feeling of inferiority and superiority complex loomed large, which ultimately transformed this class of citizens into more of a managerial class or a 'manager' rather than citizens. Although this term was originally associated with industrial outputs and managing the workforce, ironically, the term 'manager' became a part and parcel of behavior. Whether in the home or in the office, the role of a manager was all about those counted numbers. Data became datum, and a person became a manager. But what about a patriotic citizen?
Swami Vivekananda reminds us and defines patriotism as serving the motherland from the bottom of the heart. He said that no one can protect his or her country's respect if they cannot first honor their own mother. He asks, 'How could one feed another's mother? First, feed your own mother well, and then you can feed others. Never fail to serve your motherland.' This sentiment is echoed in the Ten Commandments, a major document of Western morality. The wording of the Ten Commandments is universal and impartial, reminding us to 'honor your father and your mother.'
A self that learns to evolve without the constant presence of 'I' rises above its baser instincts and moves toward a higher state of being—a self-sufficient self. Serving the country begins with gratitude: gratitude for the motherland and for fellow citizens.
Patriotism, then, is not just a feeling; it is a moral commitment—a quiet but firm resolve to accept others and oneself within the boundaries of service, love, courage, peace, and togetherness. It is, at its core, the embodiment of the Golden Rule of Ethics: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
What is patriotism? Is there a difference between the patriotism of a soldier and that of a civilian? Discuss.
(The writer is the author of 'Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness' and 'Kyon'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.)
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