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:

• Make the children aware of their cultural history, it helps them know about their roots and develop a sense of belongingness. Children who are not aware of their own culture have difficulty figuring out self-identity and end up imitating other cultures. The knowledge of one own culture and tradition helps build a positive self-image.
• Children of today are the flagbearers of our heritage tomorrow so, it is imperative to make them understand our culture, legacy, and heritage. In this era, people are busy earning money, and many are living outside their natives; with the increased global migration, people tend to forget their roots. So, it is necessary that we teach our children about our heritage and culture from an early age. Only when our children are passionate about their own culture, they stand up to preserve it.

• Central to Indian culture is its spirit of inclusivity, transcending myriad differences to foster harmony. Since ancient times, the people of India have accepted people of divergent kinds, and it is a shining example of tolerance, cooperation, brotherhood, secularism, and harmony. These are the very important aspects that we need to teach our younger generation for a peaceful living. This way of educating our children will provide them the sense to appreciate and respect other human beings, cultures and customs as we do ours.
• Our cultural fabric is steeped in familial bonds and reverence for elders that instil valuable ethical virtues in children. Upholding these time-honoured traditions fosters discipline, respect and moral integrity guiding individuals to lead meaningful lives.