Patriotism resonates with waving of flags, marches, stirring anthems and loyalty. However, is it all? The answer lies not in blind allegiance, but in a profound connection – a love for the land that nurtured us, the ideals that shaped us, and the people who share our story. Patriotism is the recognition that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, a tapestry woven from countless threads of experience and identity.
Patriotism is not about the display of nationalism or trying to project one country and its people as superior to another. Patriotism is rather a gentle feeling of pride in contributing to the overall well-being of the global human family. This is the spirit that has embodied India since eons. Be it art, architecture, literature, science or anything else, India has contributed positively and is still the oldest living civilization.
Being a universal humanist and a “son of the soil”, a man of values and principles who did not think twice about leaving foreign lands, a lucrative service and rich accolades as a recognized medical professional, Dr. Ramesh Nath Lingutla is the perfect epitome of patriotism.
It is the spirit and it its dignified expression that is important and who is better in embodying the same other than Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla who has seen the best of all worlds – the east and the west!
It is said that values start at home and as a doting grandparent, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla has been instrumental in motivating his grandchildren regarding the richness, beauty, unity and diversity of India and in creating a sense of pride and values in them. Celebrations were organized at home and the entire family partook in the same with real fervour to match the momentous occasion of Indian Independence day and Republic day celebrations.
A few weeks before the 75th Indian Independence day celebrations, an idea sprung up in Dr.Ramesh Ntah Lingutla that he should sponsor and organize a patriotic song capturing the unity and diversity of the great country India.
As a multi-faceted and multi-talented individual, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla also penned the lyrics to the song. It was dedicated to his late parents and produced by his wife and children. His grandchildren also actively participated, and he was able to sow the powerful seeds of patriotism all round – in family, the immediate neighbourhood and general society. Many recognized and awarded stakeholders from the music, video and entertainment industry participated in creating the song and disseminating the same.
It was amazing to see the enthusiasm and spirit of celebration of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in the “Rough Riders Stadium” Dallas USA. By the time the function started, all galleries were full and the crowd of over 25,000 people was brimming with enthusiasm, patriotism and festive spirit.
The relations and commonalities between India and the USA were highlighted in detail like being vibrant democracies and multi-cultural countries and how they were best fit and natural partners. Many Americans like Police Chief, Deputy Mayor, Dallas University Head, Chief of Fire department etc. spoke highly appreciating the services and contributions of Indians in Texas and in USA.
The message from all corners was clear సర్వ మానవ సౌబ్రాత్రుత్వమ్ (Sarva Manava Saubratrutvam) – Similar to the concept of Vasudaiva Kudumbakam and Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavanthu. Musical and cultural programs were also organized, and the attendees had an enjoyable time in celebrating the nation’s progress with fervour.
A march was also organized wherein everyone including veterans marched waving flags to the accompaniment of drums and music. Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla procured an Indian flag with great difficulty and ensured that he participated in the march, holding the Indian flag proudly aloft in both the hand and the heart!
He had positive interactions with different office-bearers (like the President and President elect of IANT., etc) dignitaries, families and stakeholders and was well-appreciated, admired and respected by people of all age groups for his selfless service and continued contributions as the Chairman of the Reach Global Foundation.
Accompanying Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla throughout was his better half, the soul and love of his life, his wife Mrs. Padma, a women of strength and values in her own right and an able compliment to the high achiever that Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla is.
Even though Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla was not in India for the 75th year Indian Independence Day celebrations, he ensured that programs were organized in different communities and gave his blessings and well-wishes virtually.
Due to the motivation and contribution of Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla, the Viswam educational institutions and Sankarambadi Sahithi Peetam together organised a flag march in Thirupathi. The photos of various freedom fighters along with the national flag was held aloft and the peaceful march had a huge impact in creating awareness and a sense of pride.
The Telugu Language association Sankarambadi President had deep words of praise for Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla as a stalwart and a true patron of Telugu language, his mother tongue, and of the service to the nation whether present within the country or outside.
Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla takes to heart the songs composed by Sankarambadi Sundarachari of staying true to one’s roots, being articulate and dignified always and having a sense of pride and gratitude in every endeavour. The Bhavad Gita, the Vedas, Sita, the crown jewel of women, were all born here, and the way India has enriched humanity is beyond doubt. It was instrumental in Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla’s decision to return to the motherland and serve her.
Earlier, Dr.Ramesh Noth Lingutla had also put up a huge flag in his building and a certificate from the government of India for his commitment and participation in the 73rd Republic Day celebrations.
As a devoted fan of the eminent Telugu poet Late Sri Sankarambadi Sundarachari, on his jayanthi Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla as the chairman of the Reach Global Foundation sponsored a school program.
Along with patriotism, inculcating the spirit of enquiry is also dear to Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla’s heart. On the occasion of Independence Day 2022, Dr. Ramesh Nath Lingutla sponsored a science stall at the Police parade ground. His contribution was utilised in providing the students with mementos, appreciation certificates, food and snacks etc. The District Science Officer Bhanu Prasad thanked him profusely for the same and the program was a grand success.
At every touchpoint and celebration, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla as a powerful orator and personality has been able to strike a chord with audiences in his remembrances of martyrs, how we must be patriotic and demonstrate high living in thought, word and deed. Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla continues to demonstrate through his life the values of all great scriptures and the timeless message of “Simple Living and High Thinking” propagated by Sri Sankarambadi Sundarachari.
A global ambassador of goodwill and peace, his many facets have already been described in previous blogs. Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla is a man who believes in a the universal brotherhood of man, that we should transcend all artificial barriers and work to create a holistic global society based on the timeless values of peace and prosperity for all.
A true patriot, he ensures that as a just ambassador of his country and particularly as a son of the soil tracing his roots to the Telugu language, he gives full efforts to spread the spirit of the language and the glory of the country and her traditions and values in all nooks and corners of the world.
True to his mission, felicitations and recognitions have been pouring in from all parts of the globe.
In a function organized by the North American Telugu Association (NATA), in 2016 in Dallas USA, the founders of NATA were generous in their praise and recognition. It was a rare moment where multiple stakeholders and high-achievers shared the dais and everyone recognized and deeply appreciated the vision and service-mindedness of Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla. Felicitated at NATA
Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), the 21th Conference of TANA was held at St.Louis, Missouri where Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla was felicitated as among the top 3 of the Chitoor NRIs. Felicitated By TANA
More recently, these include felicitations in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka via the Lions Club of Trincomalee with a certificate of appreciation for his services in a grand function. The Malaysian Telugu Association has also celebrated Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla as a man of powerful achievements and recognized his contributions and timeless service.
In every NRI meet of a felicitation function, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla’s message has been singular and powerful that though we have different associations engaged in multiple activities, our overall aim should be to think collectively for the common good, give back to our roots by engaging proactively in activities like adopting our villages, sponsoring the education of needy children and work for the upliftment of communities. Even though Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla has been felicitated globally, what he feels as a patriot is that he always feels great to be connected to his land of birth India, to the soil he grew up in, his people, language and everything related to his motherland.
In a world rife with division, patriotism can be a bridge. It allows us to celebrate our differences while finding common ground, a shared narrative that binds us despite our varied backgrounds. It fosters empathy, reminding us that the struggles and triumphs of one citizen are, in some way, the struggles and triumphs of us all. True patriotism isn’t a passive emotion; it’s a call to action. It compels us to engage, to participate, to be the architects of a better future. In a globalized world, patriotism isn’t about isolation. It’s about recognizing the strength we gain from sharing our best selves with the world.
As a humanist and changemaker Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla continues to be a dynamic force fostering dialogue, engagement and in creating a legacy we all can be proud of.
Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla
M.B,B.S D.A(London), MRCA,
Tirupathi (Chittoor District), A.P, India / UK / USA