Preserving Indian Culture: The Integral Role of Women

Indian ideals declined recently. Internet, movies, and daily entertainment degraded morals. Farheen investigates this loss, stating that women can preserve it – an exclusive for Different Truths. 

India, a land of diverse cultures, has always been known for its rich and varied value system. The country has always prided itself on its ethical and moral values, passed down from generation to generation. However, over the years, the value system in India has been steadily receding. The influence of the internet, daily entertainment soaps, and movies have significantly diminished India’s value system. The lack of respect for elders, lying, and misbehaving with them are just some examples of how the value system is deteriorating.

While it is true that in many cultures, there is still a perception that women are primarily responsible for raising children, there has been a growing movement towards gender equality in parenting roles. Many families today strive for equal labour regarding child-rearing, with both parents sharing responsibilities for everything from diaper changing to school drop-offs and pick-ups.

However, it is also essential to recognise that gender roles and expectations are deeply ingrained in many societies and that changing these norms takes time and effort. Women may still face more significant societal pressure and expectations regarding child-rearing, even if they and their partners are committed to equality in parenting. This can be challenging for women trying to balance careers or other responsibilities.

Overall, it is essential to strive towards greater gender equality in all aspects of life, including parenting, and to support both men and women in their efforts to be involved and engaged parents.

These mediums profoundly impact people’s thinking and behaviour, and they often promote values, not in line with Indian culture and ethics.

The degradation of the value system in India is a cause for concern, as it undermines society’s moral and ethical fabric.
Here are some reasons why the value system in India is receding:

·       Lack of education: Lack of education is one of the primary reasons for the decline in values in India. Many people, especially in rural areas, are not educated enough to understand the importance of ethical and moral values.

 ·       Breakdown of the joint family system: The traditional Indian joint family system, which was the backbone of Indian society, is slowly disintegrating. This has led to a breakdown in traditional family values.

·       Materialism: Modern Indian society is becoming increasingly materialistic. People are more concerned about acquiring material possessions than following ethical and moral values.

·       Influence of Western culture: Western culture has heavily influenced India, leading to a decline in traditional values. However, the influence of Western culture on Indian society is complex, with both positive and negative effects. It’s essential to have a nuanced understanding of the impact of Western culture on Indian society, taking into account the various factors that have shaped this relationship over time.

·       Corruption: Corruption has become rampant in India, which has eroded the trust people have in the government and the system.

Women have always played an essential role in upholding the values and ethics…

Women have always played an essential role in upholding the values and ethics of Indian society.

Here are five ways in which women can help in the upkeep of the etiquette and value system in India:

·       Emphasise the importance of family and community: Women can teach their children the importance of ethical and moral values from a young age. This can help in instilling these values in the next generation. Women have always played a crucial role in maintaining the family structure in India. By prioritising family time and encouraging their children to develop strong bonds with their relatives, women can help reinforce the idea that we are all interconnected and that our actions impact those around us. This can help instil a sense of responsibility and accountability in the younger generation, ensuring they grow up with a solid moral grounding.

·       Inculcate moral values and promote education: Women play a vital role in instilling moral values like honesty, kindness, and respect in children. They also serve as role models for their children and families. Women can promote education in their communities, especially for girls, as education is vital to understanding the importance of values. This can help in creating a more aware and responsible society.

·       Promote a sense of humility and service: In the past, selflessness and service to others were highly valued in Indian society, and women often embodied these qualities. By continuing to emphasise the importance of helping others and putting the community’s needs above our own, women can help preserve this aspect of our culture. This can be done by encouraging their children to volunteer in their local communities or by setting an example by engaging in acts of service themselves.

·       Reinforce the importance of cultural heritage: India has a rich cultural heritage, and we mustn’t lose sight of this. Women can help to promote a sense of respect and reverence for our cultural heritage by teaching their children about Indian history, art, and literature and by encouraging them to participate in traditional cultural practices. This can help instil pride in our culture and traditions, ensuring they are not lost to future generations. Women can pass on these values to the next generation through stories, songs, and rituals.

·       Encourage ethical behaviour: Ethics and morality are essential to a robust value system. Women can help reinforce the importance of ethical conduct by setting an example themselves and teaching their children the importance of honesty, integrity, and compassion. This can be done by engaging in open and honest discussions about ethical issues and by setting clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour.

·       Promote gender equality: Women have always been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality in India. By promoting gender equality and empowering other women, women can help ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. This can be done by encouraging their daughters to pursue their dreams and aspirations and advocating for policies and initiatives promoting gender equality in all spheres of life.

By recognising and appreciating contributions made by women in this area, we can create a more responsible, compassionate, and value-driven society.

Picture design Anumita Roy, Different Truths.