The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel - Summary - Explanation

Nissim Ezekiel, known as the father of modern Indian English poetry, wrote "The Patriot" in an Indianized English. The poem doesn't seem British in style and diction. In fact, there are a lot of Hindustani words used in the poem to give a native and humorous taste. It can be said that it is written keeping in mind English-speaking Indians. The poem satirizes Indian conventions yet the narrator is ready to embrace Indian culture and its diversity.

The narrator hails and supports the Gandhian principles of peace and non-violence. He is fed up of all "fightings" (conflicts) sprouting in the world. He criticizes people to ignore Mahatma Gandhi and his principles. The narrator then proclaims the "Ancient Indian wisdom" and its authenticity. He takes a jibe at the modern generation's tendencies featuring nothing but excessive flaunting of fashion and imported items.

He reveals that he reads Times of India to improve his English language skills. In the Daily, he reads a story of a man who hurled a stone at "Indirabehn [Indian Prime Minister]". The narrator alleges that the man must be a student. In his head, he addresses his "friends, Romans, countrymen" to hear his voice or opinion. He refers to contemporary political controversies through "Regeneration, Remuneration, Contraception". He tries to maintain cool by advising patient and offering lassi (an Indian beverage). He adds that it is good for digestion and better than wine. Even though he clarifies that he is not going to taste wine ever. He boasts that he is a total teetotaler and refers to wine as a drink for drunkards only.

He asks someone's opinion of world peace. The response is that Pakistan and China behaving belligerent (both share inharmonious relations with India). All this tussle makes him sad. He raises the idea of brotherhood of all men and gives instances of Indian fraternity belonging to different states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and North-India. He finds some of their practices funny as he was a Jew and majority of people living in his vicinity were either Hindus or Muslims. He admits that they have their oddities and differences, still they tolerate each other. He envisages the advent of "Ram Rajya" i.e. a Utopian state. He asks one if he is leaving India but hopes that he/she will return again any time, any day. He denounces welcome ceremony but likes to receive company from the visitor.