Family values are critical for human progress and economic development. Individuals and family cannot be separated, as they are inter-connected. It is now becoming clear from the experience of the West whose families and family values are drastically collapsing
The Theme of Inculcating Family-Human Values is imparted through the Samskaram of Reverence for parents Symbolised by Matru-Pitru Vandanam and Aacharya Vandanam. Mother(Maata), Father(Pita) and Teacher (Guru) Symbolise the high points of respect for human values in our society.
1. Guru Vandanam
गुशब्दस्त्वन्धकारः स्यात् रुशब्दस्तन्निरोधकः ।
अन्धकारनिरोधित्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते ॥(-- Advaya Taraka Upanishad)
The syllable "Gu" means darkness and ignorance. The syllable 'Ru' means eradication of darkness or ignorance. Because of the power to dispel darkness, the guru is thus named.
"Reverence for Teachers really is Reverence for Education." If the society, students and parents are irreverent towards teachers, the teachers will not have reverence for teaching. It is impossible to regain or reinstate it, because reverence is not an intellectual idea founded on logic and reason but a cultural practice founded on inherited habits. Without the help of the teacher no education is possible. He is regarded as the “Guru”—a friend, a philosopher and the guide. As education builds the future of the nation, building reverence for learning through reverence for teachers is extremely critical in the contemporary times when West-centric modernization is threatening to erode reverence for everything.
2. Matru-Pitru Vandanam & Atithi Vandanam
a
It has been estimated that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation, which equates to 50,000 species a year. Rainforest Facts. (Rain-tree.com (2010-03-20) Retrived on 2010-08-29).
b
When the culturally instituted social security is strengthened then the socio-cultural-economic unit of the family is not weakened or disturbed. If Parents, Elders and Atithi are taken care properly than intervention of old age homes would not be required.
Modernity has resulted in loss of reverence for teachers, but it has also made the young irreverent towards parents, elders, Atithi and for family values.