A Good Patriot vs. Hyper-Nationalism: How Politicians and Media Are Corrupting Young Minds

How Politicians and Media Are Corrupting Young Minds

In a country as diverse and vibrant as India, patriotism is a powerful force. It can inspire unity, sacrifice, and a commitment to the nation’s progress. But in recent years, patriotism has been hijacked by hyper-nationalism, a toxic distortion fueled by politicians and their media allies. This dangerous trend is corrupting the minds of young people, turning love for the country into a tool for division, blind loyalty, and self-serving agendas. So, what makes a good patriot, and how does hyper-nationalism threaten the very soul of patriotism? Let’s dive into this thought-provoking question.

Who Is a Good Patriot?

A good patriot loves their country not just in words but through actions that uplift its people and values. They respect the nation’s diversity, history, and constitution, working to make it stronger, fairer, and more inclusive. A good patriot doesn’t just wave the flag—they ask tough questions, hold leaders accountable, and strive to fix the nation’s flaws. They understand that true love for a country means wanting it to be better, not blindly celebrating it as perfect.

For young people, being a good patriot means engaging with India’s challenges—poverty, inequality, corruption—with a sense of responsibility. It’s about volunteering in communities, supporting education for the underprivileged, or using skills to innovate for the nation’s growth. A good patriot celebrates India’s diversity, embracing its myriad languages, religions, and cultures as strengths, not threats. They don’t demand uniformity but champion unity in diversity, as India’s founding vision intended.

A good patriot is also a critical thinker. They don’t swallow slogans or propaganda wholesale. They question policies, fact-check claims, and demand transparency from those in power. This patriotism is rooted in service, not showmanship—quietly building the nation rather than shouting about its greatness.

Hyper-Nationalism: The Dangerous Distortion

Hyper-nationalism, on the other hand, is patriotism’s ugly cousin. It’s loud, aggressive, and divisive, demanding absolute loyalty to a narrow idea of the nation. Politicians and their media allies have weaponized it to manipulate young minds, turning patriotism into a tool for power and control. Instead of fostering unity, hyper-nationalism thrives on “us vs. them” narratives, painting dissenters, minorities, or critics as enemies of the state.

This brand of nationalism doesn’t encourage critical thinking—it demands blind allegiance. Politicians use emotionally charged rhetoric, like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” or “anti-national,” to whip up frenzy and silence opposition. Media outlets amplify this by broadcasting divisive debates, sensational headlines, and half-truths that glorify the ruling narrative while vilifying anyone who questions it. Social media, especially platforms like X, is flooded with examples of this—trolls and influencers pushing hyper-nationalist agendas, labeling dissent as treason, and celebrating aggression as patriotism.

For young people, this is particularly dangerous. They’re bombarded with messages that equate patriotism with unquestioning support for the government or a single cultural identity. Hyper-nationalism tells them to hate the “other”—whether it’s a neighboring country, a religious minority, or a political opponent—rather than work for collective progress. It glorifies symbolic acts, like chanting slogans or defending statues, over substantive contributions like improving healthcare or education.

How Politicians and Media Corrupt Young Minds

Politicians thrive on hyper-nationalism because it’s a shortcut to power. By framing themselves as the ultimate defenders of the nation, they deflect scrutiny from their failures. Corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, or policy flops are buried under a flood of nationalist fervor. The ₹400 crore taxpayers spend annually on MLAs and MPs—complete with free houses, travel, and lifetime pensions—shows how some politicians prioritize personal gain over public service. Yet, they cloak their self-interest in patriotic rhetoric, convincing young people that loyalty to them equals loyalty to the nation.

The media, often cozy with these politicians, plays a complicit role. News channels churn out divisive content, framing complex issues as black-and-white battles between “patriots” and “traitors.” They amplify fearmongering narratives—about external enemies or internal “threats”—to keep viewers hooked. Young people, already navigating a world of information overload, are especially vulnerable. They’re fed a diet of outrage and propaganda, leaving little room for nuance or critical thought.

On X, you’ll see countless posts exposing this manipulation. Users often call out media houses for pushing government agendas or highlight how politicians exploit national pride to dodge accountability. But the same platform also shows the other side—armies of bots and supporters spreading hyper-nationalist tropes, drowning out voices of reason. This creates an echo chamber where young people are pressured to pick a side rather than think for themselves.

The Cost to Young Minds and the Nation

Hyper-nationalism is poisoning young minds by replacing critical thinking with blind loyalty. It teaches them to see dissent as betrayal, diversity as a threat, and aggression as strength. This mindset stifles creativity and progress—how can a nation innovate when its youth are taught to conform rather than question? It also breeds division, pitting communities against each other in a zero-sum game that weakens the social fabric.

The real tragedy is the lost potential. Young people, who could be solving India’s problems—whether it’s climate change, unemployment, or rural development—are instead drawn into culture wars and empty sloganeering. They’re told that shouting louder or hating harder makes them better patriots, while the nation’s real challenges fester.

Reclaiming True Patriotism

To counter hyper-nationalism, we need to redefine patriotism for the youth. It starts with education—teaching critical thinking, history, and civic responsibility in schools. Young people should learn that questioning the government isn’t anti-national; it’s essential to democracy. Media literacy is crucial, too—helping them spot propaganda and seek diverse perspectives, whether on X or elsewhere.

Role models matter. We need to celebrate scientists, teachers, activists, and everyday citizens who serve the nation quietly, not just politicians or celebrities shouting patriotic slogans. Policies should reward merit and service, not sycophancy. If the ₹400 crore spent on politicians’ perks were redirected to education or healthcare, imagine the message that would send to young people about what India truly values.

Finally, young people themselves must take responsibility. They can reject hyper-nationalism by engaging with diverse voices, volunteering for causes that matter, and holding leaders accountable. A good patriot doesn’t just love their country—they work to make it better, even when it’s hard.

The Choice Ahead

India stands at a crossroads. Will its youth embrace the inclusive, thoughtful patriotism of its founders, or fall prey to the divisive, manipulative hyper-nationalism peddled by politicians and media? A good patriot builds bridges, questions power, and serves the people. Hyper-nationalism, on the other hand, thrives on fear, loyalty, and empty gestures. The choice is clear, but it’s up to young people to see through the noise and choose a patriotism that strengthens the nation—not one that tears it apart.