Home is where Family is
The richness of being Indian lies in strong family bonding. Our lives are inseparable from our families. We create moments of togetherness and cherish forever. It’s a common practice in Indian households to sit together and relish sumptuous meal. Chatting, laughing, playing are so instinctive that unreal modes of entertainment take a back seat. We celebrate our extravagant festivals unitedly and welcome joy.
One member of the tribe faces a problem, all others stand like a wall to help him. Togetherness is our strength and we are proud of it.
Our joint families preserve and nurture the cultural value system and exhibit a strong cohesive force. Introduction of the nuclear family was a necessity but it is depleting our value system.
Today I’m discussing the role of joint family in the changing scenario of society.
1) Indian families are institutions in themselves that teach qualities like patience, sympathy, sharing and understanding, naturally.
The rise in the number of nuclear families is making people more and more insensitive towards the needs of others.
2) In joint families, children respect elders and are keen to learn from them. They listen to moral stories from grandparents and learn everyday wisdom from elders.
With the shortening of extended families, children are fast becoming self-centred. View this from a larger angle and you will see delinquents and criminals growing up in our ‘small, proud homes’.
3) Strong bonding among family members develops a sense of security and this is the beauty of a big family.
Nuclear families feel alone and insecure in the absence of closely knit clan. Result? They don’t believe in others and display traits of anger and possessiveness.
4) Children growing up in a joint family imbibe qualities of patience, tolerance, confidence to speak in a group and sportsmanship.
Nuclear family children are less tolerant and are more likely to indulge in fights and brawls.
I’m not glorifying nuclear families because I can feel there’s a decay in the moral characters of the citizens of India with the rise in small families. I admit that many times it becomes difficult to live with the extended family but young people have started avoiding living with seniors. When a society forgets its values, the decay is not far. I request my fellow citizens to revive the Indian values and save the goodness of our nation.
Insightful observations on our family structures. Very relevant in these changing times. I will not choose, although I do think it is a highly subjective choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s very difficult to make a choice, mine is just a concern. Thanks Deboshree:)
LikeLike
Loved the concept! Hope people think of practical ways of staying together:)
LikeLike
Agree 100% Aditi. Now situations are changing rapidly and it takes really the efforts of the parents to keep the kids connected
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true. In the effort to connect with the world, children are getting disconnected from the closely-knit families.
LikeLike
Just loved your post. There is nothing as precious as your family
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true π
LikeLike
So relatable! things have changed and families are becoming small. Another great post to showcase Indian values and beliefs. Great going Aditi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sanjota π
LikeLike
I grew up in a nuclear family while my husband grew up in a joint family. Yet our values are so similar. You have made some insightful points through your post. Loved it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honoured π
LikeLike
Yes, itβs about the choices we make. Very valid and insightful post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rashi π
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true!!! Agree with you. Family is love. I am so happy to have a big fat family
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLike
Yes, I agree with your view, but I also believe both has its own pros and cons, I have stayed in a joint family also and now from last year we are a nuclear family. For some situations, I miss the family support and for some, I feel the flexibility π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know opting to live in a joint family is not easy. There are more responsibilities and concerns. Even I’m from a nuclear familyπ
LikeLike
Yes specially when you are married in a love and inter caste marriage ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to write something more but that goes beyond the theme of the post. See you in another revolutionary avatar soonπ
LikeLike
You have touched a very nice point, Joint family is fun and I am proud to stay in one. I grew up with a single mother but glad to have met a joint family in my life. My kids know all relations and love and warmth of staying together as well as they learn to adjust in every situation and person in life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know that you’re enjoying living in a joint family. Your children will learn the essence of Indian culture.
LikeLike
Even I spent my childhood in a joint family… Those were the days…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might be having amazing time with your extended family π
LikeLike
Thanks π
LikeLike