Transforming for a Deformation!

So, this piece was influenced by a weekend discussion about cultural deterioration. In this era of transformation, everything keeps changing: phones get smarter while humans seem to grow duller, gadgets get slimmer while people get heavier, and our outlooks, attire, and attitudes evolve too. We talk about Darwin’s idea of “survival of the fittest,” yet we often fail to live in harmony with nature, expecting “natural selection” to favor us even though we stand apart from, rather than as part of, nature. Poor nature struggles to find its place on this planet.

We love having conversations in English—perhaps because it’s considered the “balcony of the world.” I am not against English itself, but I am against those who make fun of their own mother tongues. Our attitude toward culture has deteriorated, and our sense of community seems to have vanished. I recall a statement from my sixth-grade Hindi reader—“Manushya saamaajik jandhu hai,” meaning “Humans are social animals.” The author (perhaps Madhu Dhawan or Harivansh Rai Bachchan) was prophetic in reminding us that humans are still classified as animals. Modernization has led to skyrocketing crime rates and unfathomable corruption, and basic moral values appear to be disappearing under the guise of “swag.” We feel embarrassed touching our elders’ feet or going to temples, but we have no qualms about frequenting bars and late-night parties. Clothing has become more about fashion than about being covered at all.

This decline began when our nation welcomed revenue from sectors promoting cultures opposite to traditional Indian values. Like a child drawn to a shiny new object, people were lured in, and that external culture blended into Indian roots. Slowly, financial bonds overshadowed the true bonds of life; the power of wealth began determining how strong relationships should be.

When people isolate themselves, arrogance flourishes, and “self-dependency” is mistakenly viewed as unquestionable independence. This also applies to parents: if an elder—like a grandfather or grandmother—had been around, children would have learned to cope with loneliness more positively. Earlier generations favored nuclear families, and proud parents of both genders realized too late that their pride was misplaced. The saddest part is that many people still haven’t realized this mistake. Had joint families or at least caring grandparents been present, cultural deterioration might have been far less severe. Regardless of gender, the blame is equally shared. If the elder generation had respected their own parents, perhaps we wouldn’t need sophisticated senior care centers.

While parents attempt to instill Indian heritage, values, and traditions in their children, Bollywood has increasingly catered to its diaspora audience, and second- or third-generation Indians—dressed in modernized versions of the traditional sari or shalwar kameez—are blazing a new pop-cultural trail. There’s no need to force children to follow traditions. Being a parent is not just about giving birth but also participating in a child’s “growth and development.” Simply maintain your customs with a smile of genuine satisfaction, and children will naturally be drawn to them. That’s how I learned many of my own traditions, and I’ve continued to uphold them even when no one was watching.

It’s disheartening that “Moral Science” and “Ethics” are now treated merely as school subjects—an indication that Indian culture and professionalism are on the brink of extinction. If I may speak as a rebel, let me say that Western culture is also a valid culture. There is much good in it that we can learn and adopt. However, every cultural package carries its own pros and cons. We Indians should apply a “cultural filter” before letting ourselves become diluted by outside influences. The pursuit of wealth and the power of Western media have amplified these effects; without the revenue, things might have been different. While it is necessary to evolve into better professionals (whatever that means), being completely swept away by foreign values may not be wise. Our heritage is rooted in spirituality, while the culture we are adopting often has a more materialistic base. Nowadays, if you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, your partner might question your love—but our ancestors never even knew about that day and still shared lifelong bonds of love and trust. Today, people wish each other on Valentine’s Day, only to end up at the courthouse for a divorce or at the park for a breakup.

It’s high time we think for ourselves, rediscover our roots, and make sure our original culture doesn’t fade away. We already have campaigns to save tigers and trees. Let’s hope we don’t end up needing one to “Save Indian Culture and Tradition.