In recent days, one name has been coming up repeatedly—Sunita Williams. She is well-known as an astronaut of Indian origin, and while many are familiar with her life, academics, and career, what truly surprised me was her deep-rooted faith in Indian traditions. I learned, through one of her recorded videos, that she carried a Lord Ganesha idol and the Bhagavad Gita with her to space! I was both excited and moved to discover how deeply she embraced Indian culture and traditions.
The Indian culture, heritage, and traditions have been rightfully acknowledged through the National Education Policy 2020, which has integrated the Indian Knowledge Systems into school and college curricula. Symbiosis International University has created a one credit course in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which is imparted to all students. While schools and colleges will certainly attempt to imbue lectures of Indian Knowledge systems into the curricula, but parents are equally responsible for ensuring that our Indian culture, heritage and traditions become a part of our daily lives.
We see many parents today seem more inclined to expose their children to the Western culture. Whether it’s through their choice of clothes, food, or travel for a holiday, children are becoming more familiar with Western influences than with Indian traditions.
Very few parents plan trips in India to places of mythological significance, like Hampi or the ancient temples of South India, which are rich in architectural heritage. Instead, they view family vacations as an opportunity for food, beaches, and entertainment. However, little do they realise that their own children could benefit from exploring places such as the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, the Konark Temple, or even trekking in the picturesque and culturally significant regions of Kedarnath, which are deeply connected to India’s cultural roots.
I remember, during my childhood, how our family would travel to places like Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, or temples in Madurai, or Goa, where our family deities—Lakshmi Narasimha, Shanta Durga Temples—are enshrined. We also visited Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its sprawling ancient ruins showcasing the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple with its famous stone chariot, and the Lotus Mahal. However, today the trend has shifted, with many parents considering destinations like Disneyland or international vacations to be the ideal family holidays.
Another important aspect to address is the connection between spirituality and religion. In our household, we practice a simple ritual every morning: as soon as we wake up, all of us—myself, my children, and even my grandchildren—go to the Puja Ghar (or ‘Dev Ghar,’ as we call it) to offer our reverence to the Almighty. Seeing God’s image first thing in the morning fills us with gratitude for everything we have and makes us reflect on our actions and intentions. It also provides a sense of security, knowing that we have someone to bless us.
These small but meaningful rituals nurture faith, help alleviate challenges, and bring humility to our daily tasks. Parents play a pivotal role in keeping children connected to their roots. By introducing them to these rituals, they ensure that their children remain tied to ancient cultural traditions, which ultimately strengthens familial bonds.