In my John Locke history essay, I explored the question, “Should anyone be ashamed or proud of their nation’s history?” using India as a central case study. I argued for critical patriotism, recognizing that both pride and shame are valid responses depending on how we engage with the past. The essay examines troubling aspects of India’s history, such as caste discrimination rooted in the Manusmriti and episodes of communal violence, alongside achievements like contributions to mathematics, temple architecture, rich cultural traditions, and the non-violent independence movement led by Gandhi. Drawing on ideas of collective memory and moral responsibility, I emphasized the importance of acknowledging both triumphs and failures to build a more inclusive and honest national narrative.