Patriotism is a deep love, loyalty, and devotion to one’s country. It involves a sense of national pride, respect for the country’s values, and a willingness to contribute to its well-being.

What does patriotism mean for a citizen? It means: respecting National Symbols and Values such as the flag, and honouring national holidays; Being a Responsible Citizen by obeying laws, paying taxes, and participating in democratic processes like voting, Defending the Country by supporting efforts to protect the nation’s sovereignty, whether through military service or civic engagement., Contributing to Development by engaging in economic activities, community service, and innovation to improve society., promoting Unity and Peace by respecting diversity, fostering harmony, and avoiding actions that divide people.
Patriotism is not only love for one’s country but it goes beyond just feelings—it’s about action. Being willing to defend the nation, working hard for its progress, and striving for personal growth.

Self-development is especially important because when individuals grow—whether through education, skills, or entrepreneurship—they contribute positively to the country’s economy and society. A patriotic citizen doesn’t just wait for change but actively works toward making their country better.

There has been an argument whether patriotism should be taught or not or should be acquired naturally.My perspective is that patriotism entirely depends on leadership. When leadership sets a good example through fairness, accountability, and development initiatives, citizens naturally feel a sense of belonging and pride in their country. Good governance fosters patriotism because people see tangible reasons to love and support their nation. However, in cases where leadership is ineffective—marked by corruption, inequality, or poor governance—citizens may feel disconnected or disillusioned. That’s when patriotism should be actively taught, especially through education, civic engagement, and national values programs, to help people understand their role in nation-building despite leadership challenges.

My general observation indicates that patriotism worldwide is on a sharp, downward trend. The decline in patriotism can often be traced back to leadership failures and a lack of proper civic education. When leaders prioritize personal interests over national welfare, people lose faith in their government and disengage from national development. Corruption, inequality, and unfulfilled promises can make citizens feel that their efforts won’t lead to meaningful change.

At the same time, the absence of quality education on patriotism means that younger generations are not being equipped with the values of national pride, responsibility, and service. Without guidance, many may grow up feeling disconnected from their country, focusing solely on personal gain rather than collective progress.

The decline in patriotism can, however, be reversed. Since patriotism is a subset of leadership, leadership plays a crucial role in shaping patriotism, and citizens must take responsibility for electing and holding accountable leaders who genuinely serve the nation. Instead of blindly following political waves or personal interests, people need to critically assess candidates based on integrity, vision, and their commitment to national development. Leaders who inspire patriotism are those who:

Lead by Example – Show honesty, hard work, and dedication to the nation’s progress.

Promote National Unity – Emphasize inclusion, fairness, and equal opportunities for all.

Invest in Education – Ensure that patriotism, civic responsibility, and national values are taught from an early age.

Encourage Citizen Participation – Create platforms for youth and communities to engage in governance and development.

Deliver on Promises – Prioritize development, fight corruption, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

With the right leadership, patriotism will naturally grow because people will feel a sense of ownership and pride in their country.

Another factor that will improve patriotism is when the youth engage and look out for leadership positions. Although many leaders see empowered youth as a threat rather than an asset, they believe that keeping them distracted with short-term incentives, entertainment, or even divisive politics will move them from demanding inclusion in leadership. Instead of nurturing young leaders, they sideline them or give them symbolic roles without real influence. However, despite these challenges, the youth still have ways to break through. These include:

Education & Awareness – Young people must actively seek knowledge about governance, leadership, and their rights to make informed decisions.

Civic Engagement – Participating in discussions, debates, and grassroots movements can build momentum for change.

Economic Empowerment – Financial independence gives young people the freedom to engage in politics without being easily manipulated.

Leveraging Technology & Social Media – Digital platforms can amplify voices, expose corruption, and push for accountability.

Unity & Organization – Instead of being divided by tribal or political lines, the youth should unite around common goals for national progress.

If young people take charge of their own empowerment, they can gradually shift the political landscape and demand better leadership.

These school of thought is interrogated only if the youth are ready to take up leadership roles, but are they ready? The answer is yez and no! Why, yes? The youth have the energy and potential. They only need coaching and mentoring to refine their leadership skills, political awareness, and ability to make meaningful change. Without proper guidance, even the most ambitious young leaders can be misled, discouraged, or manipulated.

Coaching and mentoring can help in the following ways:

Leadership Training – Teaching ethical leadership, decision-making, and governance principles.

Political Awareness – Educating young people on policies, constitution, and civic responsibilities.

Public Speaking & Debate Skills – Helping them communicate their ideas effectively and engage in meaningful discourse.

Networking & Exposure – Connecting them with experienced mentors, role models, and opportunities to engage in leadership spaces.

Encouraging Critical Thinking – Teaching them to analyze situations independently instead of blindly following political narratives.

If coaching and mentoring are taken seriously, the youth can step into leadership with confidence and integrity.

Who then should take the lead in mentoring young leaders. All players in the life of young people need to take up responsibility; schools, experienced politicians, and independent organizations.

That’s a well-rounded approach! If all these sectors play their role, young people will have the right foundation, inspiration, and resources to step into leadership effectively. These roles are explicitly explained here:
Schools & Universities – Should incorporate leadership training, civic education, and patriotism into the curriculum. Debate clubs, student councils, and leadership workshops can also nurture future leaders.
Politicians – Must lead by example, mentor young leaders, and create opportunities for youth participation instead of using them for political gain.
Independent Organizations – Should invest in youth empowerment through leadership training, funding entrepreneurship, and supporting civic engagement programs.

When these efforts are sustained, we can see a future where young leaders take charge of integrity and vision.

More initiatives have been made by the current youth-led movements, but they need more support. These youth-led initiatives start with great vision and energy, but they often struggle due to a lack of resources, mentorship, and protection from manipulative politicians. Without support, some get hijacked, while others fade away due to frustration. To strengthen youth movements and protect them from political exploitation, the following can be done:
Independent Funding – Organizations, businesses, and well-wishers should support youth initiatives to reduce dependency on politicians.
Legal & Institutional Support – Youth groups should be guided on legal frameworks to protect their autonomy and rights.
Strong Mentorship Networks – Connecting young leaders with ethical role models can help them navigate challenges without falling into political traps.
Civic Awareness & Media Literacy – Teaching youth how to identify and resist political manipulation, especially through propaganda and handouts.
Community Backing – Society should recognize and support youth-led initiatives, ensuring they have a strong grassroots foundation.

f young people have the right support system, and they can lead to real change without being derailed. With a good education system, youth can be prepared well

A good education system needs an implementation framework that is not flawed, o produces the desired results. A system that teaches civic education, leadership, and patriotism, but it’s delivered in a rigid, theoretical way without real-life application, making students not internalize its importance. Some key issues in implementation that can lead to undesired results for youth leadership include:

Focusing on Rote Learning – Instead of encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, many systems focus on memorization and passing exams.

Lack of Practical Exposure – Leadership and civic education should be hands-on, with real-life engagement in governance, debates, and social action.

Teacher Motivation & Training – If educators are not well-equipped or passionate about these subjects, they may not inspire students effectively.

Limited Youth Participation – The system should allow students to actively engage in leadership roles beyond school, such as mentorship programs and youth councils.

Disconnect Between Education & Reality – Many young people graduate with knowledge but without the tools to apply it in real-world leadership situations.

If the approach to education is restructured to be more interactive, mentorship-driven, and linked to national development, it could better prepare the youth for leadership and hence patriotism.