Family tree rooted in love

Families are the only enduring human relationships in today’s changing world. The International day of families is observed on 15 May. The focus is on the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

Whole families move out of villages to unknown cities to ensure the education of their children, like ours did a generation ago. The family protects the helpless infant and provides utmost security. It is here that the first relationships are formed. Habits, values and traditions are fed along with the basic needs for food, clothing, shelter and safety.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, we are told. The cradle is the first school at home. It is here that a child feels his true importance and develops self esteem. Discipline, punctuality and honesty are learnt by observing and experiencing the family’s code of conduct. Children follow what their elders do, not what they say. During wars, families are broken by losing key members. The greatest tragedy of war is this. It takes years for this to be mended. The mental scars on children take generations to heal.

The joint family and the extended family provided perfect security for the disabled, the old and for orphans and motherless children. Today that fantastic safety net that has been breached with families going nuclear, the tensions within have reached atomic proportions. We can help strengthen the bonds by regular family get- togethers. Pujas and religious occasions can prove to be great magnetisers. A family facebook page and Whatsapp can provide regular news and record family history and support. Draw the family tree today. Proactively strengthen the bonds of blood.

We have to take steps to keep these relationships strong. The family is the giant tree that cools, shelters and feeds. Let us keep it growing!

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras