Famiy Teachings

While nuclear families appear modern and free from the limitations of the joint family they also appear to be missing out on the old traditions of life here in India. Children are raised by modern parents who do not adhere to some of the more traditional aspects of the culture that make it unique to the rest of the world.

Preity and her husband Dinesh live in his parent’s home with their two beautiful girls. Dinesh is a merchant sea man and has been offered shore jobs several times, but always in countries where his parents could visit but not live. With his off shore job he comes home every 3 months to “give his girls love” before heading back out to sea again.

Given that Dinesh’s parents are much older, Pretty is the disciplinarian, teacher, cook and caregiver to her children and elderly in-laws. She loves it when her husband comes home as he makes her feel “safe”. He takes care of the home and gives the girl’s the attention they deserve.

And yet, despite the involvement of these two parents, the children still prefer their grandparents. The eldest daughter gets up every morning at 6 to take a walk with her elderly grandfather. When she returns home, she will sit and pray with him even though neither of her parents pray regularly. He teaches them about their religion, their family history and traditional Indian customs.

We have to wonder … with more and more nuclear families popping up, what will be the long term impact on the culture and history of the Indian family without the older generation to teach the youngest?

Opportunity: Find new ways to keep the stories alive.