In my Hindu Bengali family, hailing from West Bengal, India, cultural heritage runs deep within us. It’s as if we are born with a set of etiquettes, ingrained from a young age, that guide our interactions with people of different age groups and backgrounds. These principles teach us how to treat everyone, regardless of their age, status, position, or caste.
One aspect of our culture that resonates deeply with me is the profound respect we are taught to have for our parents and elders. It’s a tradition that’s beautifully woven into our daily lives. Seeking blessings from our parents and touching their feet as a sign of reverence is not just a ritual; it’s a heartfelt gesture that acknowledges the importance of those who brought us into this world and nurtured us.
In a world where many seek answers in the divine or follow self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of prioritizing the care and respect we owe to our parents. Instead of searching for a higher power, I believe in cherishing the true creators of our existence – our parents. It’s my personal viewpoint, and I understand that it might not resonate with everyone.
I find it disheartening to witness people lavishing resources on gods or self-proclaimed spiritual figures, or even prioritizing their pets over the very individuals who gave them life and taught them life’s essential lessons. Our cultural heritage teaches us that honoring our parents and elders is a path to a more meaningful and grounded existence.
In essence, our cultural heritage has instilled in me the values of respect, gratitude, and love for the ones who have been our guiding lights throughout life. It’s a heritage I am proud of, and it shapes the way I approach the world, reminding me of the importance of treasuring our true creators – our parents.
