Saturday, 30 May 2020

The Indian family support system (Decoding Modi Mantra)



In today’s selfish world, it is worth relooking at our traditional family value system to see if the same can be adopted while maintaining the status quo of nuclear families. This system and its values have passed through generations, time tested and still is the longest surviving institution in India. Simply put, encourage individuality with sense of pride and collectivism.
Independent individual
We all are born dependants and the first two decades are spent to become independent, during this period we are helped by our parents, siblings, neighbours, friends and teachers, but for their contributions and of course our own efforts we could still end up a dependant.
The values of Love, loyalty, integrity, support and sharing are inculcated during this period and this should lead you to be self-respecting person and bond strongly with them for ever.

Intradependent family
The individual who has now become independent assumes responsibilities and charts the growth plan of his own, pursues his passion, starts working or does business thus develops his own circle of influence and gets busy in achieving his own goals but will always find time, respect and care for all those who helped him become independent, what goes around does come back. All within each circle standby each other in both highs and lows. Bond grows.

Interdependent society
This individual and the rest of his now increased circle of influence do not live isolated lives in a cocoon but have around them relatives, communities and associations, living in various neighbourhoods, which is a part of a city, a state and a nation. Now each of these groups are a part of a whole and not a whole in themselves as their own growth is dependent on the growth of the other group too, for an inclusive growth to reap economic, social and secured dividends. Each part must play its role to ensure the support within and outside as well.

Synergy then becomes the engine of world growth
Everyone thus considers himself a contributor as well as a beneficiary part of his family. The families, the neighbourhoods, the states and the nations then look at the world similarly for a sustainable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world is the “funda”. The world leaders as heads of their nation also take a similar top down approach till last nation in line is also a beneficiary is the theory “world is one family” known as,” vasudhaiva kutumbakam” in Hindi.

All different individuals can then lead their lives as per their choice, as long they respect and have consideration for others with a common approach to build a support system within each family and cooperate similarly with other families for a collective wisdom. The nations in turn also work on the principle of compassion, equity & cooperation for an inclusive growth.

Atmanirbhar, antyodaya and vasudhaiv kutumbakam means become self-reliant to achieve growth for all unto the last man in line, act local think global approach to make “world is one family” a reality. Is this possible without initiating the following changes is a candid question?

ü  Communicating these utopian ideals to all and get them on one platform.
ü  Changes in education system with community and national service.
ü  Population control measure, demographic balance and uniform civil code.
ü  Reservation for low-income groups and women only.
ü  National health, security and education benefits for all.
ü  Political, judicial, economic and social reforms to minimise corruption.

With hostile neighbours, enemies within, religious divide, regional aspirants, corrupt politicians, selfish Janata, poverty and resource crunch, is it possible to get legislative approvals? Thus the shared values as above may not get consensus of all but any understanding of these values at the least can develop more self-esteemed individuals who are consciously aware of their responsibilities, respect each other’s ways of lives, understand the need of mutual cooperation for their own benefit and the collective growth.

More value based self-respecting individuals is the need of the hour for a change in mindset.

Satish Shitut
Jai Bharat


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