Family system is the precious
contribution of our society to the humanity. Due to its uniqueness, Hindu
family functions as the basic unit which connects individual to the nation
taking the journey towards Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Along with being a complete
system of social and economic security, family also is the important medium of
inculcating samskars and imparting values in the new generation. The
multi-centred character of the Hindu society is the main reason for its eternal
existence and the family system is one of the effective and important centres.
These days, our family system
that epitomises the sacred cultural heritage seems to be disintegrating. The
principle reasons for the breakup of the family system are the increasing
influence of materialist mindset and self-centeredness. Due to the materialistic
thinking, the problems of self-centered and acrid behavior, unchecked desires
and greed, stress, divorce etc are on the rise. Today our joint families are
turning into nuclear ones. The tendency to keep children in hostels at the very
young age is growing. Due to the absence of emotional security of the family,
the feeling of loneliness is growing in the young generation. As a result, drug
addiction, violence, heinous crimes and suicides are reaching alarming levels.
Growing numbers of old age homes, in the absence of the social security of the
family, is worrisome.
Through our day to day behavior
and conduct, we should ensure that our family life works for building
character, enriching life-values and strengthening mutual relationships. The
family life will be joyous and blissful through dining, praying, celebrating festivals
and going on pilgrimage together, the use of mother tongue, insistence on
Swadeshi and, nourishing and protecting family and social traditions. Family
and Society are complimentary to each other. To instill the sense of social
responsibility, encouraging donations for social, religious and educational
cause and readiness to help the needy as per ability should become the nature
of our family.
The mother is the pivot in our
family system. Habit to respect Matrushakti should be inculcated in each and
every family member. Collective decision making should be the norm in our
family. Duties rather than rights should become the focus of discussion in the
family. The rights of others are protected in discharging of one’s own duties.
With the passage of time, some
distortions and rigidity have crept in our society. Ill-practices like dowry,
untouchability and discrimination, ostentatious and extravagant spending,
superstitions etc are creating obstacles in the all round development of the
society.
Revered saints and, social,
religious, educational and intellectual organisations have always played an
important role in the social development. Pratinidhi Sabha urges them to take
into account the seriousness of the situation and make every possible effort to
strengthen the family institution. Various platforms of media can be an
effective tool in imparting values to the society. The Sabha appeals to the
eminent personalities in this field to make films and various programs with a
positive message to strengthen the roots of the family system and contribute
towards the bright future of the new generation. Pratinidhi Sabha urges all
governments to constructively consider the need for strengthening the family
system while formulating the education policy and making family related
legislations.
Those who are forced to stay in
nuclear families due to the circumstantial compulsions should keep their
contacts alive with the ancestral family and spend some time with them
collectively on regular intervals. To remain connected with the ancestral place
is like connecting with the roots. Therefore, activities like being there
together as a family, undertaking some service projects etc should be
undertaken. Elementary education of children should be conducted in the local
environment to nurture family and social bonds. Organising community festivals
and programs in our residential area can be useful to cultivate the sense of
larger families. Initiating activities like Baal-Gokulam and Samskaar-Varg for
young and adolescent children will also be useful for their balanced
development.
The life based on sacrifice,
restraint, love, affection, cooperation and mutual complimentarity is the
foundation stone of a happy family. The family consisting of all these
qualities will ensure a happy life for all its constituents. Akhil Bharatiya
Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon the entire society, including the swayamsevaks,
especially the young generation, to take all necessary steps to make the
invaluable family system more lively, vibrant, and value-oriented.
No comments:
Post a Comment