- The Indian middle-class mentality and upbringing, which constitutes the fulcrum of our society, is unique in the way it is built upon time tested belief systems, practices, philosophical moorings, traditions, temperament, and structural policy frames over many millenniums as also for carving out a niche in attracting overseas attention for its vibrancy. None of us can question the efficacy of the system that has stood the test of times receiving admiration from all corners of the universe. Our ancient value systems premised so synergically in harmony with Mother Nature has succeeded in positioning us amongst the most admired way of living standards globally.
PC: ALAN PETERS
- Every true Indian will be proud of our heritage continuing the legacy left behind by adding on to the basic principles keeping in line with the changing times as humankind evolves taking along the society in the path of progression. Bestowed with such rich cultural traditions has provided us with a universally admired philosophical bent of mind as propagated by the profound thinkers and evolved souls since the times immemorial. Perceptions quite different from that of other equally popular philosophies/practices observed by fellow humans around us have propelled the Indian way of living into a widely accepted system that keeps growing by the day.
- Of course, as humankind evolves so does the necessity to alter our beliefs and well-established norms to complement the fast-changing times. While growing up in a typical Indian middle-class family, how often have we heard about being exhorted by our elders to not extend our means or ambitions beyond the available endowments? We are continually subjected to believe in the diktat that nurturing ambitions or dreams way above our limited capabilities at that time is not only ill-advised but also ridiculed in no uncertain terms terming harboring such aspirations as mere daydreaming not worthy of pursuing.
PC: Debjani Arora
- Rather than offer encouragement, words of wisdom to chase the avowed dreams, and showing ways to achieve the unthinkable, what most often we hear is not to exceed our limits by sticking to the available resources to lead a mediocre life and fade into oblivion. Yes, there are exceptions to the norm wherein scores of achievers have indeed received tremendous support, backing, and assistance from various sources to break the glass ceiling in setting hitherto unheard-of achievements. Unfortunately, those earth-shattering instances or occurrences are sporadic often failing to result in fruition even before something concrete takes shape.
- Of course, the narration is changing of late as the society and in turn, the individuals gradually are becoming more aspirational wanting to be considered as no less than successful in whatever endeavor chosen in any of the diverse fields available for explorations. This situation is primarily owing to lack of financial education in our curriculum right from early years to cultivate the instinct for money-making which is no sin by any stretch of the imagination. Curbing those urgings would result in someone else breaking the barrier which otherwise could have been conquered by anyone. There are visible changes on the ground though not large enough yet.
- Therefore, it is incumbent on the part of first parents, elders, friends, family, well-wishers, teachers, and of course, the nation’s education system to inculcate thinking right from the young age to aspire to become successful without getting bogged down by unrealistic as well as anachronistic belief systems. Striving to achieve more rather than feeling satisfied with less should be the mantra. Everybody is born similarly but what differentiates somebody from nobody is the right thought processes that traverse between the ears. Yes, without adopting diabolical ways to achieve success should be encouraged.
