पानी ने सूखी मिट्टी को संस्कार दिये
वक़्त का चक्का घूमता रहा
मिट्टी का अस्तित्व बनता रहा
बूढ़े हाथों की लकीरें घिसती रही
मिट्टी को सींच-तराश कर आकर देती रही
एक घड़ा बनता गया.....
धूप में पककर
बूढ़े हाथों का साथ छोड़कर
अपने संस्कार त्यागकर
कुछ नए हाथों को रिझाने निकल चला |

Yes Dear Eklavya, that's the common notion.

But the word discussion was not coined with the idea of replacing the phrase " Thanks for sharing " with a single word. What you and Harini have shared [ along with Renu, Rahul, Ankit and Manjul Ji ] belong to the Discussion category - that will always have views for as well as against and at times, the same views expressed through different perspective . But the case is different with Mr. Arunkumar. In between my irregular visits here, for reasons that you know, I had the chance to read all of his comments. I wish some of the comments by that person did not contain objectionable words and were retained. And his comments were important to me; because, as I have seen here in Kolkata, a part of the youth think along the same lines as him. As you know, "India i.e. Bharat" have always absorbed the races that chose to stay here - the Aryans ( the original speakers of Indo-European languages and their present day descendants), the Sakas, the Hunas, the Muslims... . As I've learned from Indian History, the present day people of Rajasthan are descendants of the Hunas. So, there was never a truely and purely Indian tradition except for those times when the land had only its original inhabitants like the Dravidians or the Tribes.

Each new race came with its own culture ( Culture means ' Way of life ' ) and merged to give birth to modern Indian identity ( As you know, the Modern Age starts from 1707 A.D. after the death of Aurangzeb and not after the Dot Com Boom or any other phenomenon as some very young minds may like to think and which actually is a part of the post-modern era) - "the civilization rises and falls, What remains is, what we left, so, what we leave to our next generation".

As I have always shared the views of Swami Vivekananda ( Not each and every one, of course ), I always think Humanity to be the supreme-most religion ( Elaboration of this statement would call for a separate Article).  And I totally agree with the view that culture and humanity - just like true religion and humanity - are inseparable; where Religion " consists solely of an inner life, and this inner life is a forest peopled by very diverse fauna, so that it is impossible to choose between the kings of the jungle. Deep religion cannot be made public. ... How many beautiful spiritual truths have been nipped in the bud by this horrible idea of a family religion, a social religion, a national religion, and so forth." Man lives in Instituions like family, groups etc. and that's why " Man is a social animal " and still that's the reason why man Institutionalizes religion. But even that religion, in its true form, advocates humanity with a great degree of similarity. And who does not know how religion shapes the culture of a race ?

Having the good fortune of knowing you from close quarters, I know what you mean by "and about preserving my culture, for various reasons, I can't say the steps that I take " and I know where there are still few sparkles left,, which will and surly will ignite the generations to come, of the fire of being Indian and good Human Being altogether.

" Its our misbelief, we started believing our customs as restrictions, we are not getting the concept, and in the middle of journey, so many individuals, groups arrived just to turn our traditions into superstitious, which has become the major reason to the fall of our traditions."

I agree with the analysis, Dear Harini.

" Temples or Churches, books or forms are just for the child's play, so as to make the spiritual man strong enough to take yet higher steps ..."  But the propensity to institutionalize have made forms mentioned by Swami Vivekananda as more important than the inner feelings for the supreme being.

To be continued...

Originally posted by : Harini
	Ankit, agree, today's kids has very lessknowledge about our own culture, we are failing to carry our culture to our next generations, we should make them understand, concept and benefits of our culture, if we dont do this now, how can these kids teach to their next generation,

Think again are kids today less-knowledgeable, ? Nay, they are not,,, they are more educated then the generation gone,,, as it always happens, we are talking about preserving Our culture,,, Why in first place did this happen (the need for preserving), is the present scenario of preserving the culture was outcome of acts of children today, nay it was the harvest of previous generation,,, They foolishly embraced the western culture,,, by this I don't mean wearing of western cloths,,, some thing more deep,,,

Did you know we don't have a word for divorce in Sanskrit,,,

“Vyasa, the author of the pan-Indian epic, Mahabharata, arrogantly proclaims, “What is not there in the Mahabharata is not there anywhere!” But there is no mention of divorce anywhere in the  Mahabharata. In the epic there are tales of men with many wives (Arjuna), a woman with many husbands (Draupadi), women who have s*x before marriage (the birth of Karna), infidelity (the beheading of Renuka), women who want a man only to have children (Uloopi), women who want a man for pleasure alone (Urvashi), men who dress as women (Brihanalla), men who force themselves on women (Jayadratha), husbands comfortable with their wives going to other men (Pandu), men who become women (Bhangashvana), men who have mistresses (Dhritarashtra). So many stories of s*x and s*xuality and the social context of the same, but none of a man and woman terminating their relationship as husband and wife and moving on.” - So in present days can we follow this,,,,, no how can we,,, a women who is in pain because of her husband, has every right to end that relationship, so by ending the marriage, is she going out of her culture ????? still todays children are less-knowledgeable,,,,, why so ?

It is not that divorce is totally alien in India. There are references to divorce in the Arthashastra of Chanakya but that is a legal and political document not a religious scriptture. And there are some Indian languages, such as Marathi, that have words for divorce, and many Indian languages have sentence for divorce,

Our culture had Sati form of devil,,, did not we abolish it,,,,,?

Polyandry and Polygamy, was very well prevalent, in ancient times,,, Nudity in art was very much prevalent in South India, even today you get to see those stone carvings, but why are we so much closed to s*x now a days,, can you answer this no,,, nobody can,,, because we read our scripttures as it is, rather we should see it as an Allegory,,,

Not every young couple after marriage want to live separately, you may say for want of employment , but then is it not greed,,, anyone other then soldier who leaves his ailing parents or for matter of fact a healthy parents ,,, in search of employment is greedy,,,, every person says he loves his language, but when it comes to his/her sons/daughter,,, he/she wants English Medium school,,,, why ? still todays children are less-knowledgeable,,,,, why so ?

We don't want our pranets to live with us,,,, If they had earned good fortune in their prime age,, then,,, good for them,,, else,,, old-age home is the answer,,,, did todays children, put their parents in old-age home,,,, no still they are less-knowledge,,, why so ?

You know in South India,,, marriage between brother and sister in relation (not blood brother – sister) (e.g. Brother marries his sisters daughters or vis-versa, son and daughter of brother and sister marry each other) is possible and first choice,,,, which has been proved to give rise to genetic and hereditary problems,,, do we want this culture,,,,, still it is continued,,,,,, still todays children are less-knowledge,,,,, why so ?

Then what is really our culture,,,,, can one culture be superior to other,,,,, if every one says his culture is best then, can there be room for advancement,,,,,, is culture so rigid that it doesn't give scope for change, if it gives scope to changes, will people not say that we are not following our culture,, does culture means wearing Saree and Dohit,,, or eating particular dish or staying in particular place or celebrating particular festival,,, culture is beyond these things,,,,

Out Indian Culture says,,,,, Being Human and Being Good Human,,, Live and Let live, thats is the reason in the history of past 10,000 years Indian or for the matter of fact the Sub-continent , never invaded any country or race,,,, !

When you google “Saving Indian Culture”.,,, you will find millions of web-pages,,, saying like this we are losing our culture we need to save our culture,,,, but never will you find what has to be really saved,,,, ! So do come up with ideas that needs to be implemented,,,,,

There is no harm in following westerner, till we are Good Humans,,,,,,,

If we can't win them, Join them !  This has been our culture for past 300 years,,,

“We should make them understand, concept and benefits of our culture, if we dont do this now, how can these kids teach to their next generation,”

I could like you to, please put forward the Concepts and Benefits of Our Culture,,,, if you please,! ,, so that I may be able to teach my kids,,,,,

Originally posted by : Sourav Banerjee MA,MSW
	"India has started loosing its rich tradition mainly bez of galz, bez" Loosing, dear Arun Kumar??? What would TIGHTEN our tradition then? And please clarify what this Acronym " bez " amplifies to.

Ha ha ha  u r right sir ji....... i wanted to say "losing" instead  ended up writing "loosing" 

I appreciate/thank you for making me understand the correct meaning of two different words.

And as far as "Bez " is concerned i thought its abbreviated form of "Because", 

if it is not so then i request you to correct me.

Also whats your stand on my view on this topic?

Do you agree  with my points/ reasons behind our spoiling culture.?

“Vyasa, the author of the pan-Indian epic, Mahabharata, arrogantly proclaims, “What is not there in the Mahabharata is not there anywhere!” But there is no mention of divorce anywhere in the  Mahabharata. In the epic there are tales of men with many wives (Arjuna), a woman with many husbands (Draupadi), women who have s*x before marriage (the birth of Karna), infidelity (the beheading of Renuka), women who want a man only to have children (Uloopi), women who want a man for pleasure alone (Urvashi), men who dress as women (Brihanalla), men who force themselves on women (Jayadratha), husbands comfortable with their wives going to other men (Pandu), men who become women (Bhangashvana), men who have mistresses (Dhritarashtra). So many stories of s*x and s*xuality and the social context of the same, but none of a man and woman terminating their relationship as husband and wife and moving on.”

Its highly objectionable content, such kind of explanation will give wrong signal to members/ students visiting this topic. They may be tempted to adopt this practice in today'z time.

So my request is either such kind of kind of discussion should be done through PM or admin should come forward and certify this topic as " A rated topic".

I reciprocate your gratitude Mr. Arunkumar. The word "Because", if abbreviated for writing Short Messages, may be writeen as BCZ i.e Bcz and not Bez, because the "K" sounding "cau" part of the word is missing in Bez.

Also, please appreciate the information shared below :

Any abbreviation that can be pronounced like a word is called an Acronym. For example, WHO, UNICEF etc.

All other shortened bunch of words are called Abbreviations. For example, WTO, CTBT etc.

Regarding whether I share your points of view regarding the main reason behind losing our culture, I must say that I do not share your views in toto. Rules of nature has taught me that the adage " You cannot clap with one hand" - is true. Whether anyone likes it or not, there are always two sides to a coin. If girls are at all responsible for the decaying of Indian identity, boys too cannot wash their hands off the responsibility. You or any other person may want to judge whose share is more in this so-called destruction; but then again one question would surface, " Who will judge the Judge?"

As for your comment, Its highly objectionable content, such kind of explanation will give wrong signal to members/ students visiting this topic. They may be tempted to adopt this practice in today'z time.  , I would say that any topic that is not suitable for children below the age of 12 years ( Pediatricians' categorization ), should follow your recommendation. Otherwise, whatever has been discussed above by Mr. Eklavya does find a place in the Arts Curriculum for the students of Class XI - XII in our Country - mainly for those who opt for Sociology as a subject of study and also, as a reference material ,for those who choose History. And going by this logic, any book on Life Sciences that even Students of Class VII or VIII study, should have been banned long long ago.

I believe in this Philosophy : " If you shut the door of information, where from the truth will enter into your mind? "

I'm rather curious to know about your age Mr. Arunkumar. You seem to possess the psyche of a truly orthodox human being.

Real eye opening msg..

really loved the content and its the bitter truth that we are forgetting our culture.

Thanks for the post..

@ sourav ji,

I accept your explanation and clarification.

Am 25 year old but still single &...in CA final ..yet to clear group 1.

What can i say Harini...A marvellous presentation...

I can only say I am sure it will nevewr go to that extreme. Our culture will remain as rich as it is. Aakhir Dil Hai Hindustani....

Sorry Harini and all. We cannot say no to "change".We have to accept whatz gud in others culture & we have to throw the bad aspects of our culture if any.I will not gulp anything only because it is tagged as "our culture".Upto me,no need of conflict between cultures.Think reasonably and accept what creates value addition & not what is our culture

Dear Kurian Xavier,

In this World, CHANGE is the only CONSTANT. Social change has been a regular phenomenon in the World History - the reasons are many; for example : Cultural, Technological, Economic etc. Even before Globalisation, there occured inter-mingling of various traits of different cultures among us. Social change may not always take place through Revolution as happened in Russia ( 1917, if I recall correctly ), for example or the present day movements in Libya. The assimilation of various cultural traits may gain ground slowly too, for example : the Consumerism of the post-modern era.

With our Planet becoming a Global Village, it will be difficult, if not entirely impossible to maintain all the traits of our culture ( I reiterate, Culture means Way of Life ); neither it is desirable. While exchanging cultural traits, it has been noticed world-wide that the ones that requires lesser rigour get absorbed especially by the youth ( s/he may be physically older yet young at mind ). These are generally called FAD - which means temporary fashion. Time,  it has been noticed, acts as the filter and decides what will become permanent and what not. The superstition part of the Cultural Traits must be avoided and over the years efforts at both Governmental and non-Governmental levels have been directed towards that goal. Prohibition of Sati ( 1829 ) , Banning the sacrifice of the first child in Gangasagar ( forgotten the year, may be 1904?), Anti-Dowry Act (1961) etc. are all bona fide intentions finding way through Legislations. But no law can cure the evil mind-set. Awareness-spreading at all levels is a must.

No one makes gross generalisation of one's culture and no one renounces it altogether. It just cannot happen due to socialisation. That's why I agree with your point of view - We have to accept whatz gud in others culture & we have to throw the bad aspects of our culture if any.

P.S.  The logic and counter-logic that this post has generated has been a fascinating experience for me. On behalf of Smt. Harini, I Thank You all who have shared your views.

@ Ekalavya: SriVedvyas..he was not arrogant, he was confident and there was no question of doubt while stating the greatness of mahabharat.

I am confused, one side you say, mahabharat is full of multiple marriages so you dont want such culture, and the otherside you are searching for "Divorce". there.. why? You could have searced for humanity here..
In Mahabharat, divorce  played major part here, to be more clear.. divorce lead  the rest of the story... if Ganga didnt depart from Shantanu on her will., story would have been totally different.. This is a lesson to mankind. conditional relationship never survive for a long time., And also lesson to parents, because of divorce, its not them, its their children has to suffer lot as Pitamah Bhishma gone through such pain.

Kunti.. God wanted to provide perfect rulers for India.. kunti was blessed with sons by Surya, Dharmaraja, Indra, Vayu, Ashwini devathas.., but she was untouched by any of those., Surya, Dharmaraja, Indra, Vayu... unn ka ansh kunti ke godh me daala gaya,   with their power of meditation and with the instructions of Lord Vishnu. but not in the way, people say in three letter word.

and Draupadi, it was her wish to get a husband who was expert in Dharmshastra, dhanurdhari me shresth ho, unbeatable in strength, handsome and with atmost patience.. While asking such wish, she forgot.. that nobody is perfect except God., For that, she had to accept such situation of becoming wife to five shresthpurush. But she never wanted to be impure, and god protected her purity, she was the combination of paanch kanyas.., I dont know the names of all those, but when she was with Bheem, she was the roop of Bharatidevi..wife of Mukhyaprana(moolaroop of Bheem).. This is why we Indian women respect Draupadi for her purity.. everyday...
"Ahalya, draupadi,seetha tara mandodari tathaa
panchakanya smarennityam, mahapataka nasanam"

mahabharat, is not just the story of what we should follow, it also gives warnings.. what not to follow...
As Sri Vedvyas said, everything is there in mahabharat,
brhinnala is the figure of gayism
Jyadratha and so many you can find in our epics who force women, and they were punished by God.

"Sathi", BhagawadGeetha says "jeeva himsa maha paapam"... but here when a married woman who couldnt tolerate to live alone as a widow, she had been given an option to sacrifice her life along with her husband.. but our shasthra never said its compulsory.., Satyavati, Kunti, we can see they continued their life,
We have seen many lovers who died together in famous love stories, we didnt call it as sati sahagaman... we named it as great love..didnt we??

my question "Is western culture not created by lord krishna?"

If we say Krishna jagat ka swamy hein, how come we differ him from western culture, One God is the creator of all countries, all cultures,
he choosed our mother, father, in the same way, he choosed our culture.. he choosed our family... depending on what we deserve, depending upon our karmas made by us..

My point is whatever he has given to us, we should respect, we should protect, Changing one's culture or dharma.. is also shown in Mahabharat, Karna he lied to parashurama, by changing himself to brahman, and he had to  face the consequences for that....

While writing my post on India's culture, the things I have seen made me to write this, I have seen my friends and neighbours neglecting, ignoring, insulting our values.. especially educated... Today's kids are definitely more intelligent, but purpose of their education has become different now,
Intelligence along with values can make the country better.

If I made any mistakes here, its purely because of lack of my knowledge, but not the fault of our epics.

I hope I have not said anything wrong, I am sorry to CCI admn and members, If I had violated any rules of CCI.

Awesome....! Speechless. Really very nice..... Thanks Harini ji.