"Feel"

Today is 26th january 2010. I saw my cell phone blinking in the morning. My friend texted me a message. He said he is trying to draft a message on Republic day and he is finding it difficult. Much because he dont know how many of us believe in the cause of India. He questioned me whether I really want India to prosper. He conveyed that he would be greatful to us, if I and his friends could tell him " why" do we feel for India?

Leaving aside my morning chores, I started pondering. Why do I feel? What is feeling? What are the things I feel for? Do I feel for India? My instant reply was ,"I dont feel anything". However, I found the answer to be very dry. Ah ! I like him. I like his way of forwarding messages and envoking required thoughts at the right time. Much because I dont know the answer. And lot because he makes fun of these answers.

Then I replied after sometime. Whenever a living object comes in association with either a living or a non living object there is set of conscious subjective experience. According to the functionalist theory of Psychology, one develops an emotion because it servers a particular function. If the function of both the objects are in unison one feels "good" about it, otherwise not. Now, since I am associated with this place, its people, its Tropical climate, its sufficiently strong Economics, its corrupt Laws, its varied Geography, its rich culture, its vast History....... I feel for it.

I feel for India. I strongly feel good about its "culture". I feel good about its varied geography, its monuments and handicrafts, and its heritage. I feel bad about its braindrain, politics, laws and government. It doesnt matter to me whether India prospers or not, but what really matters is the prosperity of underprivileged strata of any society!

Happy Republic day!