Every person is connected to their culture and religion, and this is the foundation of life on this earth. It's important to respect and follow its customs, roles, and rules. Have you noticed that we see temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras on every street corner? Yes, I have. Do we really need to open them everywhere? What should these religious places mean?
Once, I was sitting with a friend in front of a church. Many people were coming out of the church. They looked very happy. I turned my face right, where we were sitting, and saw a temple. I said to my friend, "Let's go to the temple." Many people were coming there too, and they were going back after worshipping.
I noticed that their faces were also very happy. Churches, temples, mosques, and gurudwaras are places of worship where we are taught how to live a good life. We learn not to harm or hurt anyone, but to do good to one another and bear each other's burdens. We also teach how to be good citizens. I asked my friend, "What good can you do by opening temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras everywhere?" He said, "These are all places for easy money.
If all religious places had taught the right words and wisdom to all sections of society, there would be no crime in society and the country today. But we would also think about the welfare of each other. If we thought about the welfare of each other, we wouldn't have to worry so much about the future. Today, we live our lives by putting culture and religion aside, and we are lost in a world where an increasingly interconnected and complex world that has ensnared us. Can't the fundamental role of culture and religion in shaping individuals' character and conduct be underestimated?" Yes, culture and religion are the places where a person is shaped into humanity. But are culture and religion shaping a person?
In essence, these two powerful forces provide a moral and ethical framework that guides human behavior, teaches concern for and well-being of one another, provides a sense of purpose in life, and a sense of belonging to society. Formal education imparts knowledge and skills.
Culture, often within the family and community, is taught through cultural traditions to respect one another and serve the well-being of society. Culture is a place where one learns to assume one's identity and responsibility, and through religious teachings, the deepest values of responsibility, honesty, obedience, and compassion are instilled.
A culture, with its shared customs, history, and social norms, helps create a collective identity and teaches the importance of social harmony. Similarly, religion provides a spiritual dimension, a universal moral code that transcends personal desires and is not easily understood.
Culture and religion connect individuals to a higher purpose or the broader human family, connecting societies to other societies, and one nation to another. If we harness these two powerful forces properly, we can effectively prepare a new generation of citizens who are not only aware of their rights and freedoms but also deeply committed to their duties and responsibilities to their community and the wider world.
This can create responsible citizens for the future. Education is no less a struggle for us today, and this holistic approach ensures that young people develop a strong moral compass, enabling them to become conscientious and contributing members of society.
Intergenerational Transmission of Values
The process of raising a responsible citizen fundamentally begins with intergenerational transmission. In a family, cultural traditions and religious beliefs are not simply taught as abstract concepts; they are lived experiences. Our ancestors, whom we fondly call grandparents and parents, serve as the primary storytellers and role models of our childhood, responsibly passing on their experiences to the next generation.
They pass on parables, historical accounts, family rules, and customs that exemplify virtues such as honesty, hard work, and respect for elders. These values are often reinforced through daily rituals, whether it's eating a meal, praying before bed, respectfully greeting elders upon waking, or celebrating a traditional festival.
This ensures consistent, gentle immersion that becomes a natural part of the child's identity, rather than a set of externally imposed rules. By connecting children to their heritage, this process also fosters a sense of rootedness and belonging.
These same fundamental virtues will be passed on to future generations, a key component of a stable, responsible personality. It provides a moral foundation in a fast-paced world, ensuring that they adopt the wisdom of their ancestors in their future actions and set an example for others.
Community Involvement and Social Responsibility
Many major companies around the world are performing their social responsibility tasks effectively. These days, social work is visible in every district and town. They are fulfilling their responsibilities, but what are we doing today? Do we have a plan to improve society?
If not, then resolve to do so today and ensure our social responsibility. You and I shouldn't wait for someone to come and uplift our society. Our ancestors have bequeathed religious and cultural institutions to us; we simply need to carry them forward. We have seen them.
Religious and cultural institutions often serve as important centers of community life, providing structured opportunities for youth to engage in social responsibility. Volunteering at a local food bank or at the Panchayat level can also contribute.
Participating in the cleaning of a shared sacred space, mentoring youth, or teaching can be done for free. Organizing fundraising for a charity provides young people with the opportunity to see the direct, positive impact of their actions. These experiences move the discussion of responsibility from theoretical to practical, demonstrating that being a good citizen is an active, not passive, endeavor.
This direct participation, whether in collaboration or leadership, teaches young people valuable lessons about the power of collective action. It fosters a sense of ownership over their community, encouraging young people to see themselves not just as residents but as active contributors committed to social welfare and betterment.
The Role of Rituals and Ceremonies
Every society celebrates its cultural rituals and religious ceremonies with great pomp and show, though they are not merely symbolic gestures; they are powerful tools for social and moral formation that can shape the future.
Whether it's a puberty ceremony, a religious festival, or a national holiday, these events strengthen community bonds and the shared responsibilities that come with them. They provide a structured, communal experience, fostering mutual love and affection, and encouraging religious duties that teach individuals their place in the larger group.
For example, participating in a community service day organized by a religious organization provides practical experience in charity and philanthropy, offering a unique experience. Religious work can help address social ills. Similarly, celebrating a cultural festival with a large group of people reinforces the importance of cooperation, respect for different roles, and the enjoyment of a shared experience.
These collective actions transform young people's thinking from abstract moral principles into concrete, memorable moments that become deeply imprinted in the individual's psyche, and instill a strong sense of duty to their community and its well-being.
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