Model Answer:

The differing views between two people which contradict to one another are common and the solution lies in peaceful rational discussion rather than accusing one of being unpatriotic and antinational. If someone has some point to make and someone dismisses him by branding him as  anti national and unpatriotic just on the mere fact that he is not engaging in a debate, this may not be called a fair treatment.

In  the  above  case,  the  person  would  not  like  his  friend’s  view  of  how  he  reacted  to  the  situation.  There are various possibilities due to which he may not have responded to him. It is possible that he may be engaged in some more important work, or he may not like to debate with him at that point of time knowing his nature that how he turns aggressive when it comes to political debates.

He should talk to his friend in this regard and tell him that nationalism does not meaning speaking for long time on political issues and taking part in debates. It can be witnessed in various forms. His friend should listen to him patiently, find out the merits in his arguments, if any, and if he doesn’t like his arguments, he should simply disagree. A verbal opinion should be countered with a verbal opinion and not by inciting hatred or branding someone as anti national.

Nationalism cannot be judged on objective factors like taking part in debates and speaking for national issues. It means standing up for the nation when the need arises. He should make his friend understand the true meaning of nationalism.

Nationalism, in its basic form, means a feeling of pride and love for one’s country. All those who  refuse  to  chant  certain  slogans  or  try  to  question  the  government/judicial  system  cannot  be  termed  as Anti national.

While it is necessary to crackdown on those intending to create disharmony but the definition of nationalism and patriotism should not be reduced to shouting a few slogans. Rather, one should hear everyone’s viewpoint and strive to create social/economic equality, which will automatically, foster nationalism. Thus the love for the nation should be equally balanced with the desire of making it better.