patRIOTism

Patriotism - From what I see around me, it might as well be available on flipkart for a bottle of ink along with self respect at a discounted price. Anything for a discount is our economics.

As much as I could define patriotism, I am unable to realise it. Remotely accessible to my otherwise logical reasoning. Perhaps, merely boasting our strengths while doing nothing is not my cup of tea. With all due respect, I find more hints of pride and patriotism in those who live outside. If this is not irony, what is?

All we are capable of is throwing ink at one of our own in protest against someone foreign in a city where people from other states are not welcome. Clearly, we got the phonetic rule on the word patRIOTism wrong.

Be water and the change

I could not have picked a day that is more suited for this post. Not so long ago, I had two favourite quotes. While one is that of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Be the change', the other one is Bruce Lee's 'Be water, my friend'. It is not until recently that it dawned on me. The underlying messages in these quotes are no different. In fact, the same view expressed differently. Change is like a flowing river. Constant yet changing. Flexibility is a virtue. Bamboo, not banyan, is likely to survive a hurricane. Even the all powerful nature adapts.

Both legends brought about the change by simply being one. Just like what an incredible leader should have - rigid flexibility. How many such leaders do we have today? In my opinion, many are leaders in their respective official titles albeit lacking the mindset.

Whenever I think about leadership, these two quotes figure prominently. They bring me back to earth only to educate me on humility. Leadership is an attitude. An humble outlook on transformation. Of course, inside-out.