My Debate Speech

I had given a speech in our school's Inter-House Debate. We came third (boo-hoo). It's OK, I don't mind. At least I participated! Well here goes:-

PATRIOTISM IS OLD- FASHIONED IN TODAY’S INDIA

Good morning respected teachers, worthy opponents and my dear friends. Today I, Aboli Joshi of Std VII Florence would like to express my views on the topic ‘Patriotism is old- fashioned in today’s India’. I will speak for the motion.
You may ask- What is Patriotism? Patriotism means love for one’s country. Great patriots like Bhagat Singh And Mahatma Gandhi have helped us achieve freedom.
But Patriotism is gradually declining in India. Why is this so? There can be several reasons.
In my opinion, the fact that heroes do not get recognition has lead to the decline in patriotism. In and before 1947, thousands of anonymous heroes gave their lives for their nation. These people deserve, but did not get a tribute to all that they did. Many people, even now, are labouring under the delusion that if they do a good deed or help the nation, it will go unnoticed. That is why they do not wish to do anything for their country.
I feel very strongly that it is due to the selfish nature of people that patriotism has reduced. They do not want to help anybody if they do not stand to gain from it. On the contrary, if they were given money for helping their country, they would do so whole-heartedly. But sadly, as they do not gain, they do not take the pain.
In the times of the British, it was an honour to join the army. But now, due to the laziness of people and the reluctance of mothers, the army does not have sufficient recruits. This is due to a lack of patriotism.
My next argument for the motion is that in most democratic countries, freedom is taken for granted. Not only countries, but our own Gurukul is a perfect example of this. Children misuse the freedom given to them by misbehaving, disrespecting the teachers and much more. If they themselves misuse freedom, then imagine the chaos in the country! If there was patriotism then there would most definitely be less disturbances in our nation.
My final argument for the motion is that the caste system prevails in our country. A true patriot would abide by the Constitution, which states very clearly that there is no such thing as a caste. But now, even more than ever, people are practicing the caste system. If we treat each individual as a person and not as a member of a caste, then it would most definitely make our India a balanced, peaceful and harmonius country. This, in my opinion, is the true meaning of patriotism.
My examples show that the word patriotism is old-fashioned in today’s India. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my views.