Culture has been defined in many different ways. In “Foundations of Indian Culture”, K. M.
Munshi has defined culture as:
“A characteristic way of life inspired by fundamental values
expressed through art, religion, literature, social institutions
and behavior”.
It may also include education, scientific and technological advances, customs of the people, and the way in which people interact with each other and live in a society. The inherited moral values, beliefs, and traditions of the people create a national identity which unite people to work together for the benefit of all.
He mentions that the ‘Indian’ culture is one of the very few cultures that has continuously survived for quite a few millennia in spite of multiple invasions, brutal occupations by foreigners, and systematic attempts to destroy it. Very little of the original Egyptian, Babylonian, Syrian, Persian, Inca, or Mayan culture is visible now.
How did it survive in India?
Before all the invasions by foreigners, a system of ‘ Gurukul’ schools existed in India that provided free education to all, strong family traditions, and the unique system of dividing the society into four classes with assigned duties for education, defense, trade, and service ( Varńāshram) that helped maintain the knowledge and culture in India. The ‘ Gurukul’ system was destroyed during British rule by starting schools which taught from text books written by the British that depicted Indian history as myth, scriptures as ‘meaningless babblings of primitive people’, Sanskrut as a ‘dead’ language, Indian culture and traditions, diet, etc. as inferior. Jobs were given only to those who had studied in Christian schools. Disastrous effects of Government supported Christian Missionary schools on the Indigenous people of Canada is coming to light now with rampant unemployment, poverty, alcoholism, diseases and early death.
Why preserve our ancient culture?
Knowledge of one’s cultural heritage is important for self-esteem. When people lose their self-esteem and self-respect, they do not do well in life. It is very important for the welfare of our future generations that they learn the positive aspects of our culture and heritage. There are fine lines between arrogance, healthy self-esteem, and being too humble. Self-esteem is a positive feeling about one self. It depends on your feelings about your-self, your family & heritage. It gives us confidence in ourselves, what we do, how we deal with insults or humiliating behavior of others and succeed in life. At the same time we need to be humble and not become big-headed or boastful. Blind adaptation of foreign diet and lifestyle in present day India (2020s) has led to rampant diabetes and obesity with serious consequences later on in life.
How can we preserve our cultural heritage?
“Children have never been good at listening to their elders,
but they have never failed to imitate them.”
James Baldwin
Mothers, teachers and schools play a very important role in teaching children about their culture, national pride, family and social relationship, etc. Our scriptures give great importance to the education of female children. Véd-s encourages women to undergo Upanayana - thread ceremony - that initiates them in Védic studies.
“Parents should gift their daughters the power of knowledge.
When she leaves for the husband’s home,
They should give her a dowry of knowledge.”
Roog (Rig) Véd (ऋ वेद)
This tradition was obliterated by threats of abduction of girls attending school by foreign rulers in India.
1. Learn, Practice, and Teach. We, adults, have to set a good example by learning about our heritage and culture and practice it in everyday life.
2. Enroll children in Balvihar classes (Sunday schools that teach our languages, heritage, and culture).
If your plan is for one year, plant rice.
If your plan is for ten years, plant trees.
If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.
Confucius (551-479 BCE)
3. Pray or recite shlok- s in the early morning, evening and before meals.
4. Read Indian classics like Rāmāyan, Mahābharat, Bhagawad Gitā, etc. to children.
5. Speak to children in at least one Indian language.
6. There are many CDs of devotional music available. Expose children to these at home or while driving to school or on trips. Teach children to sing classical or devotional Indian music.
7. Bhāratnātyam dance is based on our heritage. Encourage children to learn Bhāratnātyam.
8. Perform simple Puja at home and explain the meaning of the ritual. Celebrate festivals and observe various Sanskār- s . Visit a local temple.
9. Select healthy recipes, cook and eat nutritious Indian food. Most of our spices in moderation and our dishes are being accepted as healthy alternatives to Western diet.
10. Raise children with love and open lines of communication. Treat little children with lots of love. Get them to help in household chores from age three and as long as they are living with you, and when they are 16 years old treat them like a friend.