Small Acts, Big Impact: The Patriotism You Don't See

The truest kind of patriotism isn’t always wrapped in a flag or broadcast from a stage. Often, it’s the small steps for big change—the quiet, consistent acts of a good citizen—that build the strongest foundations for a nation. It’s the law-abiding citizen who files taxes on time, the neighbour who practises an eco-friendly lifestyle, the volunteer who turns up for community participation without expecting applause. These everyday actions, repeated by millions, can move a country forward in ways grand speeches never could.

This Independence Day, let’s look at simple yet powerful ways you can make an impact: for the nation and for yourself.

1. Paying Taxes: Funding the Nation’s Future, One Return at a Time

Nobody claps when you file your taxes on time—there’s no parade, no medal. But it’s the reason the roads you drive on exist, the metro expands, and soldiers are paid. Paying taxes is one of the quietest yet most impactful forms of patriotism. It’s how you help fund India’s future.

The Gap: In FY 2023–24, only 8.09 crore individuals filed an ITR. That’s less than 7% of India’s 140+ crore population actively contributing to direct tax revenue.

What You Can Do

• File your ITR online via the Income Tax e-filing portal before the deadline to avoid penalties and late fees.
• If you’re filing for the first time, register as a taxpayer online.
• Track the status of your tax refund after filing.
• Verify your TDS Certificate (Form 16A) online.
• Keep your Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs ready. Don’t have a PAN? Apply here or get an instant e-PAN.
• Link your PAN and Aadhaar to stay compliant.

Voting: Planting Your Flag in the Nation’s Future

Standing in a queue under the sun for a few minutes may not look heroic, but every mark on that ballot is a flag you’ve planted in India’s future.

The Gap: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout was 67.4%. That means over 30 crore eligible citizens didn’t vote, leaving nearly one-third of India’s voice unheard in shaping its leadership and policies.

How to Apply for a Voter ID Online

Applying for a Voter ID (EPIC) is now genuinely easy—you can do it entirely online, from home.

• Register via the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) using Form 6, submitting your personal details and proof of identity, age, and residence.
• Once your application is approved, the Election Commission of India has introduced a fast-track process to deliver your Voter ID card (EPIC) within 15 days.

Don’t wait for election day to check or apply—confirm your voter details now so your voice is ready when the nation calls.

RTI: Asking the Questions that Change Things

Sometimes, patriotism is simply asking, “Where did the money go?” The Right to Information Act (2005) lets you request official information from any public authority. It’s a citizen’s tool to keep governance honest.

The Gap: Only 40-60 lakh RTI applications are filed annually, and less than 3% of Indian citizens have ever filed an RTI plea.

When You Can File an RTI

• To know why a road repair in your area is delayed.
• To check how your local MLA’s development funds were spent.
• To get details on environmental clearances or land use changes in your neighbourhood.

What You Can Do

• Identify the department holding the information.
• File your RTI request online using the national portal or the state portal, for instance the Maharashtra RTI portal.
• Keep it specific as it improves your chances of a quick, clear reply.

One well-placed RTI can be the spark that gets stalled work moving, and it takes less than 15 minutes to file.

Investing: Growing Your wealth while Fuelling India’s Growth

You don’t have to sit in Parliament to shape India’s future—your money can do it for you. Every rupee you invest in Indian companies or funds is a vote of confidence in the nation’s growth story, helping businesses expand, create jobs, and drive innovation.

The Gap: Household savings in India are still heavily skewed toward gold and fixed deposits, with equity investments forming a small share.

Why it’s Good for You

• In the last 15 years, the Nifty 50 index has delivered almost 12% annualised returns, outpacing inflation and traditional savings options.
• India’s market capitalisation now stands at around US $4.33 trillion, making it the fourth-largest equity market globally, surpassing both Hong Kong and Canada.

What You Can Do

• Open an online demat and trading account through a SEBI-registered broker. Many platforms let you complete KYC in under 15 minutes from home.
• Start a small but consistent Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Indian equity or mutual funds.
• Reinvest dividends to grow your wealth while strengthening India’s capital markets.

Even ₹500 a month invested now can grow into lakhs over time. Remember, every rupee invested strengthens both your portfolio and India’s growth story.

Insurance: A Safety Net for Your Family and Your Country

Being a good citizen isn’t only about following laws; it’s also about ensuring your loved ones aren’t financially burdened if life throws a curveball. Adequate insurance reduces dependence on government welfare systems and keeps families financially resilient.

The Gap: Health insurance in India covers only about 35% of the population, leaving millions vulnerable to medical debt. High out-of-pocket healthcare costs push 4% of Indians below the poverty line every year. Life insurance penetration is also low compared to global averages.

What you can do

• Buy a basic health and term life insurance plan that covers your and your family’s needs.
• Compare and buy plans via IRDAI-approved portals. Many allow you to complete KYC and get covered in under 30 minutes.
• Review your policy annually to keep pace with inflation and life changes.

The best time to get insurance is when you’re healthy—secure your family’s safety net today.

Additional Resources

Stay compliant and informed with these official resources

• Apply for Aadhaar or update details for valid ID proof.
• Traffic rules & fines from Mumbai Traffic Police.
• Vahan RTO services for vehicle details and status checks.
• MahaPolice citizen services for online police services.
• MahaDBT scholarships for students in Maharashtra.

From Small Steps to a Stronger India

Change doesn’t always need a stage. It needs law-abiding citizens who show up, again and again, for their country in ways big and small. Whether it’s securing your financial future, holding the system accountable, or ensuring your vote counts, every action plants a flag in the India you want to see.

Watch our Independence Day film and see how small acts of responsibility become the flags that wave over a stronger India tomorrow!