East is East, West is West…

Culture is the ‘mirror of society”. It reflects the basic traditions, principles and the ‘sanskar’ of a society. It can be seen in the way a person dresses up, the food he eats, the language he speaks,…etc.

Culture is based on human values  that  are developed by formal and informal education imparted in society.

We Indians, belong to a country famous for being the richest in its culture all over the world. Our country possesses a Vedic culture, which is unique of its kind. We have inherited the traditions set by Lord Ram, Lord Buddha, Mahavira and many  other great persons.

But, our country is entering the jet age, our cultural heritage is facing a lot of distortion through the media— T.V., news papers, magazines, etc.

So, why is a country so rich in its cultural heritage witnessing such distortions? Why are we running towards the West, when our own culture is the best?

Culture is following the trends set by our elders over the years.Not to go far, let us start with the ‘family structure’. As a child in a family grows, she/he automatically inherits and  reflects the culture and ‘sanskar’ with which he has been brought up.

Indian culture embodies a joint family system where  children live together with their parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Why has it become so rare now? Perhaps, everybody wants an identity and independence for oneself; they forget that they are being short-sighted. 

How safe and secure does one feel in a joint family. How well you can enjoy the festivities and things of life and at the same time how easily  can  you lessen your sorrows and add to your joys. Today’s Western culture which has entered the metros and big cities is making an individual self centred. This is not our culture. Our culture has taught us to be loving and caring towards elders and others.

Today’s generation is forgetting our rich culture little realizing that they are training their children in their own way. How can you expect your children to be loving and caring, when you have not done the same  towards the elders! Today’s culture is just not acceptable and one feel worried about the trends the present  generation is setting to be followed by next generations.

Why are the parents today insisting upon their children to wish ‘Hello’ and ‘Hi’ instead of saying ‘Namaskar’ with folded hands? Why is touching the feet considered backward? Why are the ‘bahus’ in a family asked to be modern in their behaviour and attitude rather than being docile, cultured and decent. Why is yoga being substituted with ‘aerobics’? Why is traditional Indian food being substituted by ‘fast food’ and many more?

The answer to all the above questions is that we all  are forgetting our culture and traditions and blindly following the West.

The pity is that the West is tremendously attracted towards our culture. We Indians are such that when they learnt ‘yoga’ and ‘meditation’ from us, we feel no shame in learning the same from foreign instructors.

We will realize our folly only when we will become westernized and  the West will find peace of mind by following our culture.