Whither Indian-ness?
(written by C Gopalakrishnan SENIOR- a part contribution from family blog)
Hypothesis
There is a differentiating edge of the love exhibited by people of my age towards our parents or our country and that shown by the modern youth to their parents, or to their country. The modern youth is moving towards a small circle of self and unitary family, and their interest in National affairs, or in the big family including parents and co-born are on the decline.
Past
As an youngster, (during 40s-50s) we were all made to believe that the quintessence or the core culture of an Indian was hospitality encompassing all the attitudes like Courtesy, civility, respecting the elders and social grace. We all have learned to live with poverty, and we also learned to enjoy poverty, as the public at large were generally poor, with a few having a little more than many. That is, the gap between the haves and have-nots was small. Or to be more specific, as the Material (wealth) available was small, the individual thought was less materialistic, and was driven more by compassion, love, personal sacrifice and national interest.
We had a daily dose of stories of Dhurva, Rama, Baghiratha, Harischandra, Viswamitra, Bheeshma, Ekalvya or Kamadhenu, and Ever Green God Krishna, and Greener in colour God Rama, whose ultimate was obedience to Father. We were tireless in hearing the escapedes of Bheem crushing Bagasura or Idumban or the exploits of his son Kadothgaja in the Gurukshetra war. Hence, making sacrifices for the Family, protecting the name and reputation of the country ( we used to justify the acts of Dhrona or Bheeshma as they held the interest of their kingdom paramount as compared to their own desires. Naturally, these stories made us to keep family as the utmost duty than harbouring ideas like “my personal desire- my wish list, or what I want to do”. Apart from these, the regular doses of community discourses on Ramayana and Mahabharata or devotional concerts by Pithukuli, were doled out for at least 50 days in a year with the jack-pot of hot sundal or Puliyodrai.
I was a proud Tamilian taking pride in Sangam Literature, Tholkappium, Thirukural and the greatness of Chera, Chola, Pandya kings, and an admirer of Pari, Ori, Adiyaman Kumanan, or Avvai, Pughaendhi, Ottakuthar, Thruvalluvar or Kuravanchi or Nedunalvadai. My role model hero was Vandhyadevan, while Sivakami, Nandhi-adigal could never leave my dream. Parthiban’s dreams were interpreted while I sailed on Kadalpura. I was breathing in and Breathing out Tamil. That was my life. But my dream was shattered as I was told that being a Brahmin I am an Aryan and that I can not claim being a Tamil.
Gone are those days, when all of us -cousins and nephew/nieces sitting together around Grandma deftly distributing palmful of curd rice ( degree of dilution was never noticed), with tender mango, or salted lime in our left hands. The best of the best international cuisine could match the taste, as what was served was not mere rice, but love emotion and care.
I was a proud NCC cadet and had a child hood dream of donning the Indian Green, and charging into enemy territory to save Indian Honour and Pride. The Motherland was supreme, and we all had the streaks of Thiruppur Kumaran or VOC.
After doing Physics, I harboured personal desire of joining BARC or TIFR as a Physicist.
However, all these roles- playing Vandhyadevan or Honouring the flag like Kumaran or doing Swadessi Business like VOC, or becoming a deputy to Homi Baba were all wilfully given up with one look at our family finance.
I ended up as a Salesman, as my family required my immediate employment. I enjoyed the bliss of sacrifice, that I was a dutiful son. My mother lived happily for 35 years under my care, while I could be proud of my father’s association for 20 years , on my assuming the family reins.
Transition
The economy grew, from 1960s to 2000, that is, if we had paid Rs.1 for one measure of rice, we are now capable of paying Rs.30/- for the same quantity. The purchasing power of an average Indian has increased multi fold. There are atleast 10 time more number of cars on the Indian Roads now, than the Past, while more number of people fly than the number of people who walk. These are the growing economic power of the Indian. But the biggest negative factor is the corresponding increase in the divide between the Rich and the common man.
Present- National affairs
The greatest achievement of the Parliamentary mechanism is to make the politicians, not the Industrialists and not the original IPR holders as the richest clan in the country. That is, earning money has become more important than the means of earning money. Corruption is more abhorred in verbal expressions as it has become the rule of the society. What is practiced by society is generally accepted as the rule of the land, and thus corruption in high places is not a subject matter to be discussed, hiding conveniently behind the edict, that unless proved everybody is innocent. So issues like fodder, political murder, phone tapping, Volker, article 365, KGB/CIA pay-offs, Bofors, Quodroci are of no concern but India must grow. One Ariyalur saw the exit of OV Alagesan, while no single politicians talk about 2005, year of Maximum Train accidents in free India. This was the country when King Purus , even in captivity did not want to lose his pride. Now, national pride is thrown to winds and we have become mercenaries in making money.
It is a vicious cycle. You can hold on to power only if you have wealth, while to make money you have to be in power. Thus making money, and ruling the country has become a perpetual push-pull engine. Interestingly most politicians wear whites, and this they believe will hide their black acts of corruption. It is a different matter that Colour media is now exposing both the Black-and-white aspects of the politicians. The left, guardians of Public enterprise and labour interests make their customary bark. However, reduced PF rate, Privatisation, and vote against Iran had been enacted with them holding on to their power firmly.
What is more powerful than the claim of”secularism”, in holding on to power? Before the Mogul or The English invaders, it was Hindus who ruled India. Hence a study of Indian history, understanding Indian culture, its tradition or the legacy is Indian ness- whether the Indian is a Hindu or Muslim or a Christian ( should I also add Jain, Boudh or Sikh). No! according to our parliament. A study of Indian culture of pre-mogul invasion is Safronisation. And not secular. Wither Indian ness?
Present – the family issues
The exhibition of attitudes like “my personal desire- my wish list, or what I want to do”, are hallmarks of the modern youth, under the guise of personal space, personal freedom, generation gap, generation divide and so on.
Goodness, present day youngsters love their parents to the hilt. However, they also exhibit excellent attitude like Universal/ Global thinking ( Patriotism is restricting you to only one country ), boundary-less approach, focussed attention, determination to achieve their objectives (the actual meaning being core selfishness, personal greed and no value systems) etc.
The end results have become more important than the means of achieving the end results.
But their interpretation of love is different. Not that they don’t love, but the meaning and expressions of love are different. “Parents object to the modern dress of my wife, and hence to avoid any displeasure we are living separate’, could be an excuse of living independently ; the millenium school, Krishnamurthy foundation or the Chettinadu is far away for my 3 year old, hence we will have get togethers every week ends. Why not think, that I will sacrifice my personal space for a few years till they have peaceful end, and then I will have my total freedom. Or as a product of next door school, I have achieved so much, and can my 3 year old can get the attention and the stiories of valour, Bhakthi and Moral from the baby sitter. Can the personally fed food from the hands of Grandma can match the sterilised and filtered (mineral water) and untouched spoon feeding. The sppon is the main culprit of losing the personal touch.
How many Tamil movies have shown, Father driving a youngster to do something wortwhile, where in the hero is portrayed as an idealist waiting for achieving his dream job; while the family is suffering in abject poverty, the hero as a saviour picks up fist fights with the villain. We appreciate and write rave reviews and the movie is a box-office success. Why, it reflects the modern clamour for idealism at any cost- including the welfare of my own family. I as a father, would like to question the director, whether the Hero is not duty bound to provide food and shelter to his aged parents by accepting any job that pays him a minimal amount now, while waiting for the Lady Luck to knock his doors?. This is what I call sacrifice from an off-spring to their parents, to look after them, keep their interests above their personal desires.
Cause
I have been analysing, and the reality was shockingly pointing fingers at me, and people of my Generation, for the transition and for the General degradation of life principles and moving towards selfishness, or greediness. Expediency or the end-result has become more important than the means.
The first generation middle class of post Independence people like me (55 ~ 60 years old) had seen very high unemployment ratio; had seen the value of studying material sciences like Physics, Chemistry with IIT or U.S.A, as the ultimate in mind. May be reservation, and lack of opportunities for forward classes also made us to believe that escape from Tamilnadu, escape from India were the only way of prosperity of our Children. So opt for CBSE- (Escape from Tamilnadu, entry to IIT and Visa to USA), and then drive them relentlessly to the “winning edge of marks like 98.789 or 99.345”, and Alas 98.0 being a failure. Our concern was not Tamil ( as we were told), Not literature, not Indian History not mythology filled with Indian valour and Indian Grace.
We have failed to teach them what was the objectives of Dhurva or Bhagiratha, Bheeshma or that of Rama, Krishna or Arjun. Our children learnt more about Casablanca and not Rama. The valour of Indian kings like Bharatha or Dhushyanta or Dasarata were not known but Queen Victoria or Crusade or Genghis Khan. If Warran ,or Bhatias sell out their IPRs to US, don’t blame them as they are obliged to their “Alma maters.” That is what the current generation of Grand Parents desired.
The political scenario keep the academics and intellegentia of the country away from politics. Lack of knowledge in Indian culture, its rich past, and the value systems have made our youngsters to be apathetic to Indian ness. The schools becoming like factories churning out people with 98+ marks without NCC, Moral Studies, Civics or on mythology have made our youngsters as aliens in our country.
Failure of the first generation Post Independent parents (like me) to impart legends and stories like what we received from our parents and grand parents. And more importantly, the political divide on expressing who is a tamilian and who is not on the one hand, and who should study what and who should not study based on reservations all have caused havoc in our youth losing Indianness.
Future
The migrant Indians are re-discovering India. I have seen NRI Carnatic music exponents performing recitals during the Music Festival in Chennai, more number of Utsavams like Cleveland Aradhana in Us, number of Temples in USA, brisk business for Divinity than before, more number of Indian migrants like Kalavai Venkat and Dr Kalyanaraman fighting for Indian cause, and as the Infrastructure of India is improving many youngsters desiring to stay in India. However, it is a big question mark whether our modern youth would go to the extent of selfless sacrifice for the Nation or towards their Language or their families?.
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February 12th, 2006 at 6:43 pm
Each generation is moulded by its circumstances. So any kind of comparison is futile. Where a country is concerned, one has to try and absorb the best in all cultures and ignore the weaknesses. Unfortunately the younger genreation does the opposite. Instead of emulating the efficiency of the western world, it apes its culture blindly with gay abandon. Even fifty years after independence, no politician can match the stature of Gandhi . On the contarary, they are looked upon contemptously. There are no role models to follow in politics. That is the biggest problem. In a family some seniors try to dominate wildly just on account of being senior which is a lot of nonsense. One has to know where to draw the lakshman Rekha.
February 15th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
i think this sacrifice bit is a bit overdone
why should i sacrifice my life since in the first place i dont see any act of sacrifice in my parents having me.
Am not even saying i was a product of biological union of two bodies and nothing more.
My parents gave birth to me because they wanted joy and a sense of responsibility or something to give meaning to their life. I dont see any sacrifice here.
If you say that they saved and gave up things they wanted for me to go to have a better education or more comforts i see it a merely a choice exercised by them.
If the idea was for me to stay with my parents then why do they need to give me a good education where i might have to move outside the city ,state or country to explore the full potential of the education received.
This stay in your own city/state/country and acheive there what you wanted to sounds hollow since its not possible.
Assuming somebody was in Trichy and he was a software engineer he obviously need to move to chennai or bangalore or the US since the opportunites abound there.
Also about children staying away from parents since there seems to be a generation gap in terms of accepting lifestyle- the parents whol are older (and hence wiser) should be more accepting of the changes.
If not whats the point of the so called age and wisdom that comes with it.
>>>
can my 3 year old can get the attention and the stiories of valour, Bhakthi and Moral from the baby sitter
February 15th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
>>>
can my 3 year old can get the attention and the stiories of valour, Bhakthi and Moral from the baby sitter
February 15th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
for some reason last three lines not visible
will wind up thanks
February 16th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Dear MMV,
Nice attitude. as your three year old was an accidental product of your union with your wife, why should you bother to give your attention, or education or schooling or other earthly comforts. This is what is called parental love- and please do not vulgarise it. If you were to be an accidental outcome of union between a man and womenn , you could have been a Pathiban of Pudhiyapadai, or Rajani in Talabathy or one omong the cradle children of Tamilnadu. To day you have address, name and place in the soceity as your parents considered you as their blood and love and not a mere product of Union.
CGK
February 16th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Dear Mr. CGK
I think you read too fast. I said
>> Am not even saying i was a product of biological union of two bodies and nothing more.
February 16th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Dear Mr. CGK
I think you read too fast. I said
Am not even saying i was a product of biological union of two bodies and nothing more.
meaning thats not my argument
whatever followed that is my argument.
Sir, I would really appreciate if we could discuss the other points raised.
Even though i use the word argument loosely i assume this will take on the form of a more healthy discussion since my idea is not just to contradict you and it is really my pov.
Thanks
February 16th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Dear MMV,
Thank you.
Sacrifice:I have seen a couple returning after 4 years in USA, with their parents at Ashoknagar. The couple moved to Adyar, at the excuse that they wanted their three year old to study at The School. This boy was a student of PSBB KK Nagar. If KK nagar school was good enough, for him, would it be bad for the KID. Here both the parents are on job. Even given the reason that their workspot was far away, Ashok Nagar is not a god-forsaken place; even it were to be, a little sacrifice, a little adjjustment could have gone a long way in bringing the happiness with the grand parents. ( It is another story, that the mother inlaw of the boy is living with them to look after the child. ( The boy accepted this arrangement to buy peace in the family.
Another case, where in a retired respectable Central Government widower, is being treated as a cook in the house. He is being shouted at not tasty food, and questioned for a reconciliation of day to day vegetable purchase. The house was part financed by his 100% PF, and he gets reasonably good pension. He undergoes this daily torture, because of his inability to live away from his blood. and blood of blood. The arguement of the daughter in law, is that they can not afford maid servant/cook as they have outstandings on House, TV/DVD and Washing machine. Pension-pl do not talk about it. Kindly do a survey of Parents and Children living separately within the same city ( I do accept separation between cities) My posting was after seeing such thankless children. Like Jesus said:, ” Forgive them Lord. They know not what they are doing”.
Further, as a true lover of my mother land I am appalled at the ammassment of wealth by politicians with no industrial, educational or Professional Background. I am appalled bt their divisive strategies to keep their followeres ignorant and blind faith. I wonder whether what we have in Idia -Political Parties or Cult systems. One man/woman idolatory of Karunanidhi, Jayalalitha, Sonia or Jyothibasu. If one Hitler can bring a permanant bad Repute to Germany, what these collective leaderships can do our motherland.
Hence, revival of Indian Legacy, study of our Mythologies, National Freedom is required right from child hood- so people are not self centerd. Selfishness at Home, results as a cancer at National Level.
CGK
February 17th, 2006 at 3:43 am
Dear Mr.CGK
I do understand the background to your post esp from the examples given by you.
It does break my heart to hear about the second case.
But wrt the first case I would say that the couple have bought some sort of balance.
It ironical though that the child is going to “The School” dont know what Jiddu will say about this situation..
WRT your point about PSBB I would say each parent has an idea in mind as to where the child would need to study.
Reminds me of a relative of mine who stays in a small town and says if this education is good enough for me why should my daughter study in chennai.
I dont know if as a father he is depriving his brilliant daughter the kind of environment to blossom.
You must be aware that schools have this rule of students residing within 2 kms from their institution to be eligible for admission.
Very similar to the couple in your story my friends who lived in KK nagar with boys parents were planning to move to adyar for the same reason of puttng their kid in The School. But even prior to that the child didnt qualify. I must definitely say that the couple had no issues in the laws house and it was only for the reason of schooling.
As an aside i think sometimes like that visu movie it just makes sense to keep the distance and meet on weekends and spend time than being in the same place and making things worse. (I know you must think this is typical our generation behaviour)
I dont think the issue is a case only with the current generation
having seen enough fo the 70’s movies though am not able to accurately quote,
such people existed even then.
Since I belong to the current generation of householders i think i have seen that for every son/daughter who live away Iike you have mentioned I have seen children staying with parents /in-laws.
Some of the common areas of conflict:
1) Unreasonable expectations in terms of waking up early- which is not possible with the late hours esp office going daughter-in-laws keep. In those days men went early to the fields by six or seven or for teaching etc but today’s offices start at nine thirty.
2) They expect women to still cook clean etc and its a huge sin to get the cook to do stuff
3) They expect the d-i-l to serve their son the same way the m-i-l did for the husband which does not go down well with today’s “equal” generation (in quotes since thats a seperate debate altogether)
4) Even though the children have much more exposure to the outside world, they believe that the children should still listen and follow their advice. Sir, I dont believe that age and experience in all fields are directly related.
5) And yes the dress is a big issue- You might think why not compromise. I have seen my grandmother have a problem with her last d-i-l who used to come back from work and wear the nightie even though it was only within the confines of her house. I am sure you understand that the indian nightie is as good as a “koni” in terms of covering one’s body and much less revealing and much more comfortable than a saree. Its just some of the blind adherence to this misplaced sense of culture and tradition that really makes the drift wider.
Or i have seen a m-i-l comment to her d-i-l who cut her hair short that this was not their culture. Is our ancient culture so frail that it lies in a handful of “mayir” (i have been told this is proper usage and not an abuse word so pls read in that context)
The above points are not a justification but just to give you a glimpse from the otherside.
I do agree that the tolerance levels probably have gone down than the previous generation where more joint families could be seen.
But isnt this change very much the fabric of the society and like all things this too will come a full circle…
I dont know if you have understood what i am trying to say but I definitely see the issue that you are talking about and i think the problem is from both sides.
“Selfishness at Home, results as a cancer at National Level.”
But sir somewhere dont you think its also the parents and the values they have imparted to their children.
Reminds me of the tale where the son,father and grandfather go together to an old age home to drop the grandfather and while returning the son innocently tells the father that he too will drop his father at the old age home when the time comes…
Sir, I would like you to ponder on my points in the first post about the very nature of child-parent relationships. We can discuss it if the opportunity arises later.
Thanks for the space
February 17th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
Dear MMV.
Look at the Hypothesis I made “There is a differentiating edge of the love exhibited by people of my age towards our parents or our country and that shown by the modern youth to their parents, or to their country. The modern youth is moving towards a small circle of self and unitary family, and their interest in National affairs, or in the big family including parents and co-born are on the decline.”
This is the exact sentiments exhibited all through in your arguements and the defence of your Generation. I did not judge, whether the present behaviour is right or wrong, or even an analysis as to whether past behaviour was superior or less. The crux of the issue is UNITARY families, miss the Moral guidelines offered by available matured/ old people who helps them to shape the children. If such shaping is not carried out, then children become too focussed (utterly selfish) and question “don’t I deserve a personal space, personal desire, personal freedom?”. Yes Have it. No body should deny these. But the sense of giving- adjusting- compromising-is lost, and then they receive this education through”Art of Living, Management Behaviour, Stephen Covey, Zig-Zigler, D’Bano, paying US $ 5000 for one week. But how many? . Millions have not gone to colleges, or attend jaggi vasudev, or Norman Vincent Peel or Covey. These uneducated literates only, lose route, and justify all their action like Natwar’s son on Oil deal, or Harshad Mehta on stock scam, or politicians blind faith in their supremos etc. Uneducated become Ayodhyakuppam Veermani, Kattan subramani, Auto Shankar, Vellai Ravi, Mattushekar or in betweens like Appu.
The same Charectors, get wisdom when they reach their final journey- reformed persons-, but the damages caused to the soceity can not be set right.
I do Lectures on Management and Behavioural development programmes, to my staff. More often I use Stories from Panchatantra/Jataka Tales or even Aesop Fabless to talk about Leadership, Team building or Conflict management etc etc. Most of my learning came to me from my parents, grand parents and not from university education. Thus, the benefit of elderly wisdom , available to one and all from their own is being denied by shifting to UNITARY families, and then buying them for a few.
Take a round inside the High court, and judge the cliber and Charector of modern day lawers coming out of best school, best colleges Some of them can not even assemble one sentence cogently either in their own mother tongue or in English, and they are our future Judges in High, Supreme Courts. These lawers, in the garb of personal rights, freedom form themselves into political groups. Can you expect impartial judgements, from these lawyers when they grow as Judges. We will have only manipulative judiciary in five to six years from now. Had their Parents, or Grand Parents thought them Dharma, Moral, Religion and belief in Right-Wrong, Belief in God-Satan they could also be exected to be impartial judges. We also had judges, like MM Ismail – an authority on Kambaramayanam or the judges advocates of yore were learned persons and could educate people on multivarious activities. Did they go to PSBB, Vidyamandhir or The School. More often than not, they all must have studied in a THINNAI Pallikudam n their native place. I am an output of a not so popular Corley High School, Tambaram. The learning I received, apart from School is through elders, attending discources, Libraries self reading etc. Thus the school, is responsible only for 10% of a persons learning, and the rest has to be acquired on his own initiative. The elders at home, direct you to receive this. That is they show the path, and it is up to you to learn. I have also put the blame on me- as I felt that the Children shoud get their education only from school (98+), and failed to educate them other than their curricula. The arguement here is not on Rationalistic forum, on the existence of God, or Myth of Satan or not religious Fanatacism, but these subjects were utilised by our elders of wisdom in bringing about value systems, Balance of life and the Art of living or Unlike James Bond) LIVE and Let Others also to Live.
Your Point 1. I agree. Should we attempt a dialogue with all parties, and make understand the need for late rising, the PROs-and CONS of late or early rising etc, or summarily break out of the family on this assumption. Later, if you yourself get up as a status ego of your new-posh environement, clad in Tracksuit/Rebok for a walk around the colony. My suggestion is negotiate within warring grous, and then decide after failure to reach understanding.
Point 2 A very few cases like this. Most of the modern flats canot have the luxury of spare space. However, as I had alredy said, there is a belief of kairasi/ Kaimanam. The food digestion, the scientist say, starts at the dining table. That is, a mere look can help to secrete digestive enzymes. A mere thought of food from my beloved, a thought that this Payasam is for my Birth-day, This Thuvial – Though bitter, is made to treat my cold/indigestion would definity secrete more enzymes. WE ARE NOT MECHANICAL ROBOTS. LEARN TO HAVE SENTIMENTS IN ALL OUR ACTIONS, THE RESULT WOULD BE SENSIBLE. No sentiments-Mechanical impersonal, unilateral decisions.
Point 3 Same as above. I agree that this expectation is absolutely wrong, and if present the m-i-l is at fault. My arguments are generic, this does not include selfish, paranoid, scheming M-i-l / Parents. They must be treated the way they deserve to be treated.
Poit 4 I agree. But a case here and there, should not be generalised. More often we see doting Grand parents. In fact many parents complain that the grand parents spoil the children. Please, read the REASON for the degeneration as I had given. The parents, now believe that attainig 98+ is the only Goal of the Children. The children at large, should receive all forms of education-arts, games/sports, debate, street smartness. Today the education is attending the school., Coaching classes for JEE and Likes, Abacus, Aspire etc. Children do not get any freedom. It is the parents who impose their will on their children, but at the same time rescind the will imposed by their parents on them.
Point5If a mutual understanding can not be reached leve hihg and dry. I am not a fanatic old generation. As much as the world, its culture and behaviour had changed, the old also should adopt to Changes. Refusing to Change is a disater. The old, in such cases must be educated, else they have to face the pain of separation.
CGK
Long ago’ A father gave a world map to a child after tearing intp pieces, asking the child to assemble the Map. He thoght, the child will atleast stop pestering him for Half an Hour. The child came back within Five minutes with completed map. The astounded father, learnt from the child that, the Map had a picture of a bman on the reverse side, and the child found it was easu to assemmble a man’s Picture. Thus came ” Set the Man right; the world would be alright”.
February 19th, 2006 at 9:42 am
phew! took a while to read…
February 20th, 2006 at 10:43 pm
Really a wonderful thought-provoking write-up.
I was,for some reason reminded of Cheran’s movies where he shows the divide between the yesteryears and modern life,the divide between being rich in money and rich in love.
-Raapi
February 23rd, 2006 at 12:51 am
Dear Mr C. GopalKrishnan
Greetings & Thanks.
Thought provoking and this is a paper many in our 55-65 age froup must read.
I am 61, a retd. Merchant Navy Captain-settled ashore in a Company and now serving now as a Sr Exec Dir. My core areas are Adm / Management & HR.
I have to state that I have seen a drastic shift in Attitudes and this is abbrevaited as W-I-*I-F-M FM (what’s in it for me ?)
20 years ago, this was summed up by Swamy Dayananda (former Chinmayya Mission and…now Aniketai Ashram, Coimbatore) in a small talk on Per Mgmt. as a shift to Rights Consciousness from Duty Consciousness.
FACT.Seen and Proven today.
See recruitment Drives and outcomes.
Also the Domestic turmoil …..scene.
Yes…possibly less than 25% do have a different value …but mostly it is short term Gains. Future will tell. The film “Baghban” did much justice to this…....(.Like it or not).
I wish we can take this dialogue further as a Group and find a solution….to bridge the Gap….DIVIDE.
Regards
Capt TR.
February 23rd, 2006 at 1:13 am
Dear MMV
I did see your “comments” and also CGKs response.
Without sounding to be patronising, can you pl. mention your age and position, background etc as it willhelp to gain an idea of the basis of some of your assumptions esp on Biological union, Sacrifice etc.
To Dialogue we need to know a little about whom we are speaking to.
Yes, the next Generation will shape the country…..but we are still to start a Dialogue.on Bridging the Divide.
By strange coincidence, this matter came up in Chennai recently in a Forum.
Also earlier in Heritage Series .
See Tattvaloka magazine of Sringeri earlier issues…vide topic titled as “Turbulence in Society” )
Regards
Capt TR.
rasu@touchtelindia.com
Copy CGK
February 23rd, 2006 at 11:49 am
Dear Captain,
In fact I have been taking this as a personal mission in organisations I have worked. I have found, with discussions with other Parents, that parents are able to get responsive behaviour from youngsters other than their own children in the age group of 20-25.
The recent suggestion by our President that NCC must be made compulsory is an excellent beginning. Schools must start classes on Civics
Good Citizenship, Indian History is a must for all stream of students. However all these are possible only when Congress becomes extinct in our country. Right from the begenning, Congress had always believed that the party is above the Country, and the recent exposes confirm these attitude. Quotrochi becomes more important than the nation. Please also read all my other postings on study of religion in Universities, Parliament on sale, Mumbaikar Vs. Chennaiette., to understand my anguish. I have no affiliation to any political party, or religious groups. I am an Indian first, and happens to be a Hindu by birth. My belief, and respect for HINDU philosophy comes essentially as I am an Indian and as this Philosophy was resident and nurtured in Hindustan. I had received all my education in Christian Institutions and I have read both Bible and also Da Vinci Code. I used to see similarities in the preaching (dvaitha) of both Christ and Krishna, and also wonder whether stories of Ark and Mahapralayam are one and the same, or whether Christ Himself was Krishna or viceversa, looking at their similarities in birth and migration to a different environment, hounding of the child by the local king etc.In fact, those of the youngsters brought up in a joint family exhibit broader mind than w.i.i.f.m attitude of many modern youth, and they are able to adjust their personal desires to a broader perspective.
In organisational behaviour classes, I used to talk about Personal, Link and System responsibilities at three levels namely, Individual, Department / Project and Organisational levels and the need for alignment of Goals. Simillarly if todays youngsters also start believe that every single individual has multi level links and goals, namely, individual, Family, State and National level and see that these goals must be aligned with each others. This does not restrict individuals to have their own Goals or Objectives, but they must identify those of the Goals ( among their wish list) which helps to bring Family, state and National growth, and they are free to pursue their own hot buttons.
A selfish person is likened to a cancerous cell. If he wants to grow faster than his family or the soceity, in the long run the institutions are destryed and he also perishes with the body. This is what our elders say- no ye not won the race; the slow and steady wins the race. A simillar story to that of Tortoise and Hare.
CGK
February 24th, 2006 at 12:52 am
Dear Shri CGK
Greetings.
Thanks your response.( I have only glanced at the other paper on Mumbai-Chennai).
However, this “Generation Divide” matter is one which really needs focus as it indeed has taken most of the homes – and families across the world apart.
Turbulence is the word used in Heritage Series in Chennai.
Dignity Dialogue of Mumbai under Dr Sheilu Sreenivasan has done excellent service in this direction although their mission is under a different name.
Their magazine is available on nominal subscription.
I belong to a batch of the 1963 officer cadets and we have maintained a Yahoo Site exchange ( inc a few from SAARC countries as well), apart from the many – now as NRIs who moved overseas to join their children or earlier settled there.
All agree there is a major shift in even the most basic relationship values & ideas between just 2 generations within a family unit -just within the last 2 -3 decades and is most visible.
This has torn apart so many good systems, in the search for a better Life Style. THis is not easy to alter in short term. THis is really a Global problem.
Many theories (and philosophical structures) have been used to justify/rationalise all this, but the plain fact is Short Term gains has been the sole objective.
So, we need to look at Coping Strategies and then go on to the Bridging.
Personally I feel political / parties are not the only (real) problem here.
Yes, Leadership is seen failing in many stratas….inc. Home, School, College, Business Houses, Society etc. However the paradox is that – India progresses in many ways, inspite of its lopsided political setup.
But, yes…... the Divide is widening.UNO also have ackd this.
Looking at India, I feel most of the damage has been done by a hopeless Govt. policy on meddling with Education -where the real sense of ” Educre” was lost.
Media, the Peer Pressure, Subtle Marketing, Consumerism and the Harsh Competition encouraged even in childhood adds on.to Profit at any Cost vs Sustainable.
Preyas vs Shreyas.
For Coping Strategies, a few ideas so far accepted with ‘moderate success’ are:the
Griha Vanaprastha approach, Financial Independance with a moderation (limiting) of ambitions and letting go, Looking for new areas of sustaining interest, cultivating new friendships and a lot of Forbearance (Dhriti). If we bottle up anger it will corrode us internally. Unfortunately no easy solutions are seen presently.
Letting Go includes “Hurts” .
On changing patterns of behaviour, I may quote:
GITA: Na buddhi bhedam janayed, Ajnana karma sanginam. Josayet sarva karmani, vidvan yukta samachara.-
WE can lead by example , if we maintain our cool and many times TIME (kaala) alone makes the difference.
This may appear to be a very passive approach, but in reality is a powerful coping strategy.
INTELLIGENT YOUTH DO OBSERVE AND LEARN FAST….even though sometimes a little late.
The Elder retains his/her composure (and health) at least to some extent.
Alternatively the results can be devastating.
Life is often compared to a Raging River flowing and we can intelligently us the tide and flow. WE do this even in Navigating a ship….why not in the Voyage of Life ?
PS: I will be outstation till 2nd March….next week.
Best Rgds
Capt TR.
March 1st, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Dear Shri CGK & All
I forgot to add this in my last email.
The West (USA/ UK) have now resigned themselves to this Generation Divide or Rift, which started in the mid 60s. I was there on a ship calling US Ports from 1965 till 1973.
This was a non conformist freedom approach of a different kind, ” albeit” started by the Hippy Cult in 65 in a bid for Anti Viet Nam war etc. etc or so and spread out.
This just degenerated as time went by.
Family Units slit with diviorces etc and also crime increasing.
This was also globalised. Then it was MNC Employment norms etc etc which has taken it further. Today we have a totally confused social milieu.
Do we want this to continue or can we make a difference ?
What is a Middle path to a better sustainable Family Life, which benefits all.
As in my earlier em, I have adopted the Griha Vanaprasth approach; this is a beginning in this solution for elders.
For Youth it is some Sensivity Training and Orientation – much needed.
NCC, Scouts and Social Service ( EQUIVALENTS ) are compusory in most countries.
India is yet to think of this. A 2 years National Service is mandatory in most countries inc Malaysia & Singapore ?.
Yes I am prepared to ssist on such Projects.
This is a Universal Challenge amongs some others.
Interestingly enough the film “Swades” did much justice here. (Few takers though) .
Best Regards
Capt TR.
March 1st, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Dear Shri.CGK,MMV and Shri.Capt TR
Namaskaram.
I don’t have a blodspot and this is my very first time leaving my opinion . All of your debates are very interesting,but you were all talking about the youngsters who arenot taking care of their elders,and living separately for their selfishness,etc,etc.There is this M-I-L is refusing to come and live with her Son and making a big fuss about losing her privacy,her TV serials(since for the sake of kids studies they donot have TV,but they promised one for her in her room) and assuming all the things they have never said.So living alone…The son everyday goes to her place ,brings her to his place,takes care of her and at 11pm he takes her back to her place ,because she wants to be alone… Who is to blame here?Take this point to argue further.Thanks.
March 1st, 2006 at 10:11 pm
Note of caution. Any arguement put forth in these column are generalistic in Nature . That is if I had said, most of the moderyouth … etc. , it need not include all the youth. There are good and bad in everything in life, like the other side of a coin (or may beother side of mid night). If any youth exhibit any different charector than what was quoted as generic behaviour, I am happy, the soceity is happy and the country is happy. Simillarly , I have never meant that elderly persons would not display narrow mindedness, and selfishness. Yes, the elderly also at times are mean and become difficult to be accepted as part of family . I do not endorse their behaviour, simply because they belong to my age group.
Dear Capt.,
I am extremely honoured to get a consonant association of a learned personality. As I had mentioned, in one of my earlier posting, I have not received formal education either in religious or in management sciences, but only a strict university prescribed science curriculum. I have gained, thanks to my chance crossing of paths with learned men like you, and to my parents. Our low middle class status, pushed me more towards academic subjects and not on spiritual subjects. ( This pre amble is to explain that I could better be a foot-soldier than a strategist in your quest for the answers.) However a few learnings from my past:
About 20 years back, I came across an elderly lady in Mandeville/ Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai who suggested that I send my 4 year old to her house on Sundays. She was a volunteer in Sai Baba Associate wing called Balavikhas. In these institutions, a set of volunteers invest their personal time and energy to inculcate a sense Moral ideals, mythological stories and simple slokas. I feel, this type of education is a must for our Hindu Children. Churches and Madarasas take care of initiating the religious feelings to their children right from beginning. The Hindus-in the name of Universal Brotherhood or secularism (wrong found definitions), neglect such religious initiations to their children and these parents are also not capable of teaching their wards.
During my school and College days I had been a member of junior/ senior division NCC. Hence my very strong belief is for compulsory NCC to all our students.
Learning the basics and the richness of one’s own religion is essential. Thus institutions like Balavikhas must emerge in every colony/ locality.
Senior citizens must invest three to six hours during the week end to conduct these Moral science classes.
Indian Heritage is common to HINDUS, Muslims and Christians of India, despite `the subject being related to Hinduism. Looking at the website of Bangla desh, I found their claim on Nalanda University or Harshavardhan as they were also part of undivided Bharath.
By airing these feeling, I also fear whether I will be Branded as RSS. ( Do not ask me why one should be afraid of being called RSS. Majority of Indians are afraid of being associated with RSS.) The pity in India is, only minorities are acknowledged as vote bank, and hence Hindu baiting like what Karunanidhi or Left or Congress do can keep you in politics for ever.
If Hindus were to be united and determine what is good for the country, then I am sure every Indian-whether Hindu, Christian or Muslim- will co-exist peacefully and lead harmonious life. Then issues become Nationalistic in nature and not sectarian. If Hindus are going to allow, politicians to decide and define the meaning of secularism, then we will have time only to fight sectarian issues.
If Nirmal Kumar-an individual could create EXONORA, why not a few senior citizens like you and me create local forums to inculcate a sense of Indiannes, a sense of tolerance, a sense of assertiveness, and a sense of Indian pride, in youngsters. Bharath Nirman is not just developing infrastructure like Roads and Bridges but to BRIDGE the gap between the people, and not put up walls that divide religions but a wall-less, gapless society which is essentially Indian in nature.
To sum up:
*catch the future youth- right from the age of 5. Repeat a Sunday School approach, but the subject matter being Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Jataka Tales, Panchtantra tale
*Make them learn Thirukural, Avvaiyar-Ponniyin Selvan, Sivakamiyin Sapatahm, Rani Jhansi, Sivaji, Porus etc
*Make them to offer prayers
Devaram, Thirupughazh or simple sanskrit slokas. ( I feel that the great divide -BRAHMIN and NON_BRAHMIN has come up becaues of the inability of the majority of NonBrahmin youth, to participate in Temple Prayers, Ritualistic Pujas and their Dependency on IYER for their religious rituals. If we can teach simple slokas, hymns in both Tamil and Sanskrit to one and all, this divide will vanish in years to come.*Create a selfless association of volunteers who are ready to invest their knoledge and time.
*Make NCC. Scouts compulsory for all streams of students;
CGK
March 2nd, 2006 at 6:16 am
Dear Sir,
Wow! Really awe-inspiring,an extraordinary and striking blog!
Whole heartedly accepted all the suggestions.Certainly,a positive thought is the seed for a positive change. Attitude counts!!Regards.
March 2nd, 2006 at 10:32 am
2nd March 2006.
Dear Shri CGK & Shri SRK
Greetings & Salutations
Thank you both for your warm and encouraging responses and it is a privilege to “share” repeat ‘share’ this exchange.Responding to both on “Bridging the Divide” :
I was on a sabbatical and also for the Shivratri Upasana at our Shree Shiva Krishna Manduir at Hubli. Learning never ends..
Some observations at this shibir (camp)
1) YES, The scene of Youth and Elders is quite a mixed up one today.
There are many cases of exemplary behaviour by both.
However, absenteeism by younger age groups in family events is quite evident and even on weekends.There is a mistaken notion that such Utsavs/ Camps are mainly about the emancipation of the Atma, about Death and there after ??
This is quite incorrect. .
Such Shibirs / Camps are about LIVING …........HERE & NOW…today.
2) Sadly most of the men in 20 to 35/40 age group just do not care to attend.
Many Daughters and children do come , but the Men are tied up even on Sat /Sun with TV - Cricket !! Yes, this is now almiost a fulll time preoccupation in India & Pakistan
( *No acrimony intended please- just a fact)
IMP: I must add that the MNC/ Globalwork norms also does not give much room for taking Leave, without a hassle with a very target conscious boss operating with short manning.
So this drifts. In actual fact even 3 -5 days of leave is all that is needed plus planning ahead.
If Youth & younger generation are to Learn Values & Culture, schools alone cannot do it.
The Generation Gap is a Social Challenge for all and every age group has a role to play..
Culture is “HOW WE LIVE” ...starts at Home.
It is not just the ‘fine arts’ on stage …but on the stage of LIFE
Grand parents & Parents JOintly need to create an ambience in the Home and set an example, more so within the first 12 years . ...not Lectures & Advice without demo/example.
I can narrate many comlaints from youth in some classes that I have taken on this, but will refrain.(Add value is my policy not criticism)
WE ELDERS CAN …,
Lead by example ; This norm is accepted in every walk of LIfe.
Thus “Griha Vanaprastha” is a good, practical attitudinal shift, esp. after 55 or so.
I have followed this since 1998, despite my being employed even todauy at 61, just as it was taught .and it helps a lot. Peaceful and we pursue other hobbies & work.
CCMT now conduct such shibirs exclusively on the holistic aspect of Retirement Planning & Life .
IMP: TV etc needs to take a back seat. Share TV time to begin with & not be glued to it.
Have a seperate room – your “Quiet Space” and organise daily life with a schedule inc hobbies and rejuvenating interests to suit own “Swabhava”.
Music is more soothing and not these TV soap serials.More arguments revolve around these serial stories and it just vitiates the home ambience.
QUOTE.. .
Yad Yad Acharati Shreshtas, Tad Tad eva taro Jana
Sa yat pramanam kurute, Lokas tad anuvartate.Chp 3 Sl 21 GITA
Whatever Leaders do, the rest follow.
UNQUOTE.
This I believe is the key….but as a start point.
But yes, after 60 or so health suffers, aches & pains etc. and it is not a cakewalk.
LIfe is after all a series of adjustments..
(Bitter or Better ?)
FOR YOUTH inc from 16 to 35 age GROUP.
SHIBIRS are Learning with Joy…not for old age” time pass”
In brief:
GOAL: Blanced Living.
Pattern of the day in Shibirs varies to suit age / health/needs .
Yes, with age, Dhyana & Japa take more priority….but we all start at basics.
Many systems like PT, Games, Yoga, Hiking, Tekking, Boating etc are all now included and a wholesome Family Learning, Playing & Growing programe is thus set in motion.
THIS IS ROOT TREATMENT ….not cosmetics.
Group Learning “Outdoors” is not a new concept.
NOTE: This was all being used in our Officer Cadet training days for 2 years on our former military troop ship T.S.Dufferin. I must add – Universal Prayers & Patriotic songs were also a part of the Basic Training.
This is quite contrary to what the ave public may think !!.
My son in law (31age ) attended the 2005 Uttarkashi Camp by CCMT and even did ‘Kayaking’ in River Ganga (yes, with safety and assistance) .
All this rejuvenates our MBA -Mind Body Approach.WE can do our job better and progress.
It relieves / helps to remove Depression & Dejection – a pronblem in society today.
FOR the 20-40 age group I may just add this:
JOb & Career is very important. But remember:
Health (physical, mental, emotional etc) is more critical. Without Health- nothing matters.
“Shariram adhyam Kalau Dharma sadhanam” is what our shastra has always taught…..Look after you health (body) before you even start your days work / sadhana .
WE have the choice for an Early Burn Out or to LIVE LIFE INTELLIGENTLY.
Joint Family living is all about Sharing & Adjustmen – both qways…...
Best Regards ALL
Capt TR.
March 2nd, 2006 at 7:39 pm
Dear All
I clicked my earlier msg of am today and missed a few typo- spellings.errors .
With age, Eyes also get bleary on staring at the screen for long, whilst keying in msgs..
KIndly excuse and overlook these.
RGDS
Capt TR..
March 3rd, 2006 at 10:16 am
Dear Captain,
I am trying to understand a few lines of your with my observations.
You had written, “”, but the Men are tied up even on Sat /Sun with TV - Cricket !! Yes, this is now almiost a fulll time preoccupation in India & Pakistan
…….If Youth & younger generation are to Learn Values & Culture, schools alone cannot do it.””
My response is ,
This is the result, of parents pushing the children only through academic path, and not initiating them in spiritual, or nationalistic thoughts. I think, it is the duty of every parent to identify, one specific talent ( Music, painting, writing etc), and relentlessly push the child to wards learning the same. There could be reactions, resistances, but the same child would proclaim to the world, later, that but for his/her parents he/she could never have reached their status
To quote you, Grand parents & Parents JOintly need to create an ambience in the Home and set an example, more so within the first 12 years . …not Lectures & Advice without demo/example.I can narrate many comlaints from youth in some classes that I have taken on this, but will refrain.(Add value is my policy not criticism)WE ELDERS CAN …,Lead by example ; This norm is accepted in every walk of LIfe. Unquote.
I had never felt the generation gap either with my parents or Grand parents. We were taught by our parents to trust and accept them without any question and reservation. In fact I would call this as Bliss-Nirvana- that is, we surrendered to the parents and we were sure that the consequences were theirs. What Parthasarathy told to Partha, our parents implemented it. However, with little bit of globalisation in our period, we allowed freedom and personal space to our children ( at a heavy cost, no doubt) and this bliss of faith-surrender-sacrifice-nirvana all is lost to TV. I remember having many a dialogue with my mother and the usual pattern were always like this
;
ME: Why is it …. like this?
Mothr: No. I do not Know.
Me: Why did you not know? You could have asked your parents.
Mother: In our days, we had never questioned our parents like you. We were more disciplined, not to question them and accept them. Occassionally she also used to say’’ Periyava sonna, Perumal sonna mathiri”
Our response more often was silence and also a feeling of mild non-intrusive guilt, whether we had offended our parents. My mother had never got offended for these queries, but she used to conduct , even the negation, as a matter of fact of life. We also accepted it as a matter of fact in life to trust our parents, our grand parents, our Teachers and the soceity elders as all of them were periyavas and thus Perumals. On Avani Avittam, Deepavali etc, we used to prostrate in obeisance, to not only our family elders but to all the elders in the neighbourhood. To day’s children would feel this as an act to be abhorred. The crux is, surrender was taught to us and this led us to bliss. ( How true is the adage, ‘bliss of Ignorance”). Unquestioned faith. We now try prayers, meditation to attain this bliss of total faith and surrender.
Again, let not a young reader misunderstand the above statements as against quest of Knowledge, or against learning . These tye of arguements would go, only for those which the parents used to decide that the time was not rie enough to initiate us. For example, if I were to ask in a childish innocence, that whether I should also become A Narasimha in drinking Blood of my enemy, the mother would have felt futile to explain the situation in Totatlity, but at the same time wanted me to believe what Narasimha did was for the good of the soceity. Thus the response, would be ignorance and that she had accepted the sayings of her elders as true and with faith. Education on faith is thus essential.
Western educated, management school outputs feel that Compromise is a dirty word. For them every transaction must be a win-win. However, it is a contradiction that negotiations are considered as a virtue and talent. That is, the children learn issues in isolation and not in Totality. In our kid days the education was both by heart and by brain, unlike now when education is only by brain( Abacus, memory development, lateral thinking etc) and later doses on of Emotional Quotient, empathy, Organisational behavior are given as add ons. Education must embrace science, languages on the one hand and Moral sciences, faith ( not preventing query system), Social behaviour and National History. The children must be made to accept give and take , which would make one driver a space for another one to go, or religios tolerane and accepting that my freedom does not impinge on the freedom of others. We had one word for all these – COMPROMISE, CO-Existance or Live and Let Live.
What I am dreaming is 100s of forums in Metropolis, volunteered by well educated elders, to counsell the children on all issues of value system with refernce to family, society and Nation. If you drive in the city of Madras, you will find one common malady
Bad driving. No body is patient. People want to go nonstop, that is parallel driving has become a norm, driving on the wrong side is a norm, cutting across while taking right-turn and blocking the oncoming traffic is a norm. More often, it is a pity when these things are done under the very nose of police, and may be some urge from the police also.I am interested in a corrective mechanism, for what we have unleashed to the soceity- indiscipline against the family bond, against Social obligationans and against National interests and Losing our cultural heritage. If between us, we should attempt to create a forum of elders, a group of like minded people and plan a strategy to start in a humble way Sunday Classes for kids. This is a long drawn 30 years project. Our hope is that the the kid s of today becoming true indian citizens when they reach adulthood. After all, the minor deviation is just one generation only, and before this divide creates oceans between us, we can build small bridges with young ones as the foundation. May be we can meet one of these days. My Chennai phone number is 23650072 / 98407 74357.
CGK
March 3rd, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Dear Shri CGK
Greetings.
Will try to answer – as I was taught and now use in home & office.
I had the privilege to learn from Sankara Kendra under aegis of Sringeri with IIM, AMA Ahmedabad on IEM systems. I have used this as a Faculty in HR and in organising & taking Swadhyay sessions at Saraswat Association, Chennai in 2003-2005 .
Responding to specifics, ad seriatum:
1) In Shibirs (or Utsavs) esp. on special occasions like Maha-Shivratri, Chaturmas, Navratri etc our holistic education with Apara Vidya (somewhat similar to HR) PLUS Para Vidya as Spirituality is taken up in Satsangh & Swadhyay sessions. This is the basic seat of Learning…through Pravachans, Vimarsha & Paramarsh and a healthy dialogue is encouraged –but in a Spirit of with Enquiry. Aadditional activities listed also, to give it a broad coverage for all ages. This has been the way of learning of our culture and even basics of Family Life- the Grihasta-Ashram. . Thus we progress steadily..
2) The problems at grass root levels are many, but I have cited Absenteesm /Dis-interest as just one; moreso by Parents esp. the Fathers. If the Husband & Wife Team ( Grihasta & Grihalakshmi) both do not Jointly support this -what do children emulate ?
Believe me, TV & Cricket- (mania or addiction or recreation or stress relief), no matter what one calls this, many stay out – even on week ends; moreso when 1 day matches are on and taking precedence. At 2 shibirs this year, the acute shortage of “Physically Fit Volunteers” was significant. Can you imagine handling all this, with just a handful of youth and the burden on Elders.
3) Most Parents push for Marks, Tuition and Entrance Exams…not for such Camps.
WE need to start with Good, Healthy, Balanced Living as a primary Goal to begin with; the real MBA is “ Mind Body Attitude”.
4. Our generation cannot even look back and simply cannot compare pre 1975 with 2005..
Times have changed drastically and the drift is still seen.
Competition, Consumerism and Ambition is taking precedence over “ Balance in Life” , resulting in Over Stress & Depression with Burn Outs.
5. YES , too many doubters and cynical questions.
Swamy Dayananda had described this in 1984 as the Paradigm shift from:
Know How to Know WHY?
I now add: What do I get if I do thisn ? is a question I often hear from WIIFMs
My answer: A decent balanced Life or face an early burn out.
Questioning stops there.
NOTE: I have also been a visiting Faculty/ STCW Trainer for Cadets to Captains and even MBAs tudents plus our Swadhyay Classes and have learnt that all will not respond.
But I have Faith and firmly believe in the 20% inventory principle.
A handful can make the difference.
WE have all pushed Living to a stage where we are now caught in a Chakra Vyuha.
Yes , I believe the turn will come …but very slowly.
Every Mission is now on this Task.
Yes, Human Life is today like Metro Traffic…hurried, rushed, chaotic to get some where …. Indisciplined sums this up. .
The term ‘Discipline’ leads to Dharma and comes from the root word Decipere – i.e. to grasp & hold onto and leads to Disciple-ship and thus was born the Guru Shishya lineageas the Parampara….starting with Mother and Father . The Taittriya Upanishad states Matru Devo Bhava , Pitru Devo Bhava and the convocation address of students leaving Gurukul is not changed even today in good schools like Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan etc.
Thus, we come back to Parenting and Home the real seat of all basic learning for the first 7 to 12 years. Even the West now accepts this. Hillary Clinton said it takes a whole Village Society to raise a Child and changed the Housewife term to HOME MAKER….and with this the wheel has taken a full circle back to the Indian Teachings and the “ Griha Lakshmi”.
Unfortunately many Hindus are reluctant to even use the word “Bharatiya” as you earlier mentioned. This word has been explained as:
Bha is Bhavana & Bhakti and
Rati is to Delight ..to revel in. Even the word is so beautiful, but if fashionable Hindus do not care to understand, and then Learn PRACTICE - USE IN LIFE and then spread / teach it to our next generation who will ?
Shibirs , Satsangh Classes are now in every location.
RK Mission, Chinmayya Mission Youth Camps etc all work in this direction.
Sri Sri Ravi Shanker’s programe “ Art of Living” is so successful as it addresses this at the root level.
I went through all these courses and many others from other Missions in the last 20 years Also as Exec Dir. we sponsored about 50 in my office; Also for Yoga etc and this was well responded. Good Outcomes…but in moderate numbers. Quality matters not Quantity.
My roots are in Anandashram from my Grandfathers days and I had the privilege to have the exposure to this and have full respect for it and the outcomes.
It has greatly helped me in Life ..both at Home & Career.
Reg. a corrective mechanism.
There are no short term or quick-fix solutions or answers.
It is a slow & steady porcess.
What works is:
“THE RIPPLE EFFECT” …. Which is a step in this direction.
1.Starts a small satsangh and Youth Camp in your area. (10 PERSONS WILL DO)
2.Include Family & Job Counselling,
3.Add Yoga, Health, Nutrition and other related subjects.
4. Encourage Dialogue – Vimarsh / .Paramarsh.
5. With Faith and Effort “Anugraha Kripa” comes.
Trust this has been of some use. I drafted this on ‘word’ and transferred to the site.
Will call you sometime on 23650072 / 98407 74357.
With Respects
Capt TR.
March 4th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Dear Shri CGK
As it was Saturday (office half day) I re-read this site again.
The below part of your 1st March msg exactly strikes the core of the issue.
Quote:
You wrote-
I feel, this type of education is a must for our Hindu Children. Churches and Madarasas take care of initiating the religious feelings to their children right from beginning. The Hindus-in the name of Universal Brotherhood or secularism (wrong found definitions), neglect such
religious initiations to their children and these parents are also not capable of teaching their wards.
Unquote.
I AGREE 100%.
Now this site has seen a lot of good exchange….dialogue as in ‘Samvaad’
To progress further, a Ripple Effect programe has been sugested in my last msg.
I had developed about 5 power point programes for our Swadhyay,. to explain that our system and science etc are not different. Also that modern HR systems are totally in line with our ancient teachings.This was to remove wrong beliefs to start with….and it was successful.
Main Topics:
1) Hindu Festivals & significance starting with Pongal & Shankaranti – Surya Deva.
2) Mother Saraswati and Vidya with the symbolism in hindu religion. (2 parts).
3) Vedic Wisdom at Work Part 1 & 2.on Indian Ethos in Management.(2 parts)
In addition a series of 12 sessions to cover an introduction to Indian Culture, Gita , Gayatri, Grihastashram, Shosdasi Samskars etc
These can be taken up if you want at a convenient date /place / time..
Glad to assist.
All I expect is an interested sincere group of say 25 persons and a convenient venue.
I think this reasonably concludes my inputs for now on this.
Best Regards
Capt TR.
rasu@touchtelindia.net
9840096206 is my cell no.
NOTE:
Pl advise your email ID, if you wish to take this further .
I fully agree that Hindu Culture itself has been restricted in the name of secular politicisation.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
Dear CGK
GREETINGS to You.
After March 4th this blog is quiet.
Howevev thios very topic was covered by All India Radio recently on Vividh Bharati
similar lines. Also many others have taken it upinc schools -.as a part of Value BuildingBest Rgds
Capt.TR
14th Sept 2006.
December 11th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
good teachers
June 8th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I am not sure in which generation I fall into according to you. I am 37 years old and a typical new generation person. But I am also of the opinion that Indian values are very important. Unfortunately I am not sure whether most of us know what Indian values are. I came across the blog as I was trying to find out what exactly people meant when they said Indian culture. I have a fair idea now and I am willing to share this and other knowledge I have gained with others. But who will listen?
Nimal
October 9th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Pl read my views in www.oppressed-brahmins.blogspot.com
you will understand that the cultural heritage of India is under siege by the non-brahmins who have gathered political power to gather wherewithal in the name of justice and caste.
December 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I would recommend all to listen to Dr. Stephen Covey who is visiting India from 28 Jan to 30 Jan 2009.
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July 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Sir,
Being his grandson I was pleasantly surprised that you mentioned Mr. Alagesan’s name in connection with the Ariyalur incident. It was indeed a double tragedy that the accident happened in Tamil Nadu and he was the railway minister . I thank you for remembering the unfair deal he got over the issue. Regards, Venkatesh
January 16th, 2010 at 8:59 am
dear mr cgk
i am happy to note you are a old student of corley high scholl.i got to your blog when i was searching for old students of corley high school.i passed out in 1975-7. do we have an alumni of corley high school?
your observations of christ and krishna welcome. indeed my years with corley high school made me to appreciate all religions philosophy.
god bless you
mohan