Protection of Our Culture is Our Duty: D.K. Shivakumar at Sneha-Sammilana Program in Maryland, USA
Maryland, USA, September 10, 2024: “Protecting our culture and traditions is a duty we all share,” remarked Sri D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, while addressing the Sneha-Sammilana program organized by the Kaveri Kannada Sangha at the JSS Spiritual Mission, Maryland, USA, on September 9, 2024. Sri Shivakumar highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially for those living abroad. “Birth is accidental and death inevitable. It is what we do between these two events that matters. We must contribute positively to society in this span,” he stated. He lauded the efforts of the Suttur Math in establishing the JSS Spiritual Mission in the USA, which not only serves the spiritual needs of Indians but also plays a pivotal role in protecting and spreading Indian culture and traditions. “The Suttur Math is fulfilling a role that should ideally be played by the government, providing education and support to all sections of society through its institutions and hostels. It is our responsibility to join hands with His Holiness in this noble work,” added Sri Shivakumar. His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, in his blessings, praised Sri Shivakumar for his administrative skills, perseverance, and leadership qualities. “He has faced numerous challenges in his political life but has handled them all with great efficiency and courage,” His Holiness observed, expressing his joy in being part of the event. The program saw participation from prominent members of the community, including office-bearers of the AKKA program, Sri Ben Chikkaswamy, Sri Ravidankanakote, Sri Daya Adappa, and Sri Sudarshan, President of Kaveri Kannada Koota. Numerous NRIs and volunteers of the JSS Spiritual Mission were also in attendance. The event was marked by a warm welcome from Sri Nagashankar, an invocation by Sri Muralidhar Pai, and a vote of thanks delivered by Smt. Shubha Prabhu Kamat.
Why should children learn Indian culture?
Every society and people are bound by a culture- a way of living that includes a set of practices, languages, laws, morality, behaviour, clothing, customs, and beliefs passed down from generation to generation. Indian society exemplifies this diversity through the vibrant culmination of myriad cultures. Culture is what shapes every individual’s worldview and personality. As children, we will not be aware of cultural differences surrounding us. However, as we mature, we are exposed to diverse cultures surrounding us and it is pivotal to introduce children to the right cultural environment for their holistic development. Indian culture is unique and the oldest in the world. India is the birthland of thousands of languages, cultures, tribes, traditions, religions, castes, cuisines, art forms and so on. The unparalleled diversity witnessed across all facets of Indian society is rarely seen in any other country. Our culture and tradition teach us to be tolerant, and inclusive and help develop a positive sense of identity and self-worth. In this digital age, children often find struck between tradition and modernity. Hence, it is our duty to teach our children about the inherited culture and traditions, and we must impart this knowledge at an early age. When kids are exposed to diverse cultures and traditions, they learn to accept and appreciate the diversity that exists in the world. Here are some reasons why the understanding of the culture and tradition is paramount: In the face of rapid technological advancement and societal evolution, it’s easy to forsake age-old customs. While adaptation to changing times is essential, so too is the preservation of cultural heritage. As parents, it is our solemn duty to impart this cultural wisdom to our children, fostering a harmonious synthesis of tradition and modernity.
