The Pledge

In my schooling days, we had a pledge that used to be imposed on us by our worthy educators, and we (although not to question our patriotism) always loathed the morning half an hour of assembly which was meant to be a mass communion; praising our Forefathers, Gods, Leaders of our country and all that exists apart from them. At that time it did not make much sense as to why we were put through this meaningless routine, day after day, each day for bloody 12 huge years of our lives.

I am sorry but I don't remember a word of that pledge!

But today, the way our Nation is going the days are not far when following will be the pledge of the Nation and kids will love to say it every morning religiously:

"India is my country, that is until I appear for my GRE and GMAT. Indians are my brothers and sisters and I am quite uncomforable with the fact that one day I would have to marry one of my own sisters.

I love my country, because I know that when you love something you should let it go....and all that blah blah...

I try very hard to feel proud of its rich and varied heritage that historians say there was until Moughals followed by Britishers followed by Politicians screwed it up.

I shall always strive to be worthy of it but I guess there is only 5% probability that I will ever attain that worthiness cause there are already 25% OBC candidates who are worthy of it, and another 20% SC candidates followed by 5% ST and another 35% Handicapped, Sports Person, Terrorist affected, Minority Community and under poverty line candidates who are worthy of it.

I shall give respect to my parents if they respect my boundaries and don't push me to be what they want me to be; to the teachers if they can make me understand why they have been teaching the same syllabii for last 30 years; and elders if they don't come in my way, and treat everyone with courtesy if I have time for that.

To my country and my people, I pledge my soul but not as long as it resides in my body.

In their wellbeing and prosperity alone, lies my happiness but I have learnt to find ways to keep myself happy otherwise also.

Jai Hind"