CULTIVATE, NURTURE & ENJOY GRATITUDE

 CULTIVATE, NURTURE & ENJOY GRATITUDE

I read somewhere about a young girl who wrote, "My mother has a catering business, and I love to help her in my free time from school. She is an amazing cook, and through her, I have developed a love for food. Food, to me, is not just about survival; it is an integral part of my identity." Similarly, I take pride in sharing stories about my kids, who have seen me engage in humanitarian work, and they willingly join me in various activities, whether it's with the Josh Foundation or assisting deaf children in person. Once, during an event, all the kids were singing "Hum Honge Kamiyab Ek Din," and despite my daughters being very young, they observed my dedication and decided to join the chorus, encouraging others to participate as well. As parents, our role is to cultivate specific cultural values, respect, and kindness in our children, which will shape them into better human beings. They will learn to appreciate and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by God and nature.

My parents, my sister, and I recently went on a pilgrimage to Gokul, Mathura, and Vrindavan. Before the trip, my dad asked me if I could spare so many days due to my busy schedule. In response, I immediately posed a question to him, reminding him of the times when we were young and he was working hard to earn money. Despite the financial difficulties, he never said no to us when we asked to go on holidays during our vacations. He efficiently planned everything so that we could enjoy every moment of those trips. Given that history, I couldn't comprehend why he was now questioning whether I would make time for him. Now, I see it as my duty and responsibility to reciprocate the love and care my parents showed us during our upbringing. Whatever they wish to do, I feel compelled to plan and fulfill those desires. As children, it is our duty to express gratitude for everything they have done for us. Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced world, many youngsters seem to overlook the tremendous hard work and sacrifices their parents make to fulfill their dreams. When the time comes for them to take care of their parents, some may try to escape from those responsibilities. We should not forget the invaluable contributions and efforts our parents have made for us. Instead, we must stand by them, showing appreciation and understanding, and fulfill our responsibilities as loving and grateful children.

Our ancestors have instilled in us the importance of having faith in God, and this belief has been nurtured within us over the years. However, as time goes on, we find ourselves influenced by science and comparisons with the Western world, leading to a gradual loss of our own Indian cultural values. During my time with my parents and on our pilgrimage, I came to understand that every moment on this Earth holds meaning. Maintaining faith in God can manifest in numerous small miracles and generate an abundance of positive energy within oneself. Our visits to various places of our Pushtimarg Baithakji exposed us to the unique stories and significance of the power of prayers in each location. One small yet noteworthy observation was the countless devotees visiting temples, leaving behind their shoes and chappals. It was heartwarming to notice that none of the villagers would take or steal someone else's footwear. The respect and integrity displayed by the visitors highlighted the significance of devotion and the values instilled in our cultural practices. These experiences serve as a reminder of the beauty and depth present in our cultural heritage. It is essential to preserve and cherish these values, even as we encounter various influences from the world around us. Our connection to faith and the traditions of our ancestors can bring about a sense of wonder and appreciation for the meaningful moments that unfold in our lives.

Devotees may accidentally wear someone else's chappals or shoes, but those who reside in these places will not move or take them. Each location has its specific rituals, and the devotees who stay there ensure that outsiders do not alter or change these sacred customs. Some people may seek monetary offerings, but they remain steadfast in upholding the sanctity of the rituals, disapproving of any rule-breaking. During our visits to various places, we were treated with respect, but we could sense that the utmost priority for the devotees was the reverence given to God. Throughout our journey, we were fortunate to witness several small miracles that left us amazed and in disbelief. For instance, there is a tradition in Mathura during the Yamuna Aarti where a small snake appears to witness the event and promptly leaves afterward. I had the privilege of witnessing this remarkable occurrence with my own eyes. It is not only humans who experience these miracles; even the animals residing in these sacred places show respect for the enduring values of the rituals practiced over the years. This aspect of our pilgrimage further reinforces the importance of preserving and honoring our cultural heritage and the spiritual significance associated with these places of devotion.

There is a place in Mathura called Bahula Van, where an intriguing story unfolds. Long ago, a tiger was searching for prey in the jungle, while a cow was on her way home after grazing on the grass. Upon seeing the cow, the tiger became thrilled, considering her as his next meal. As the tiger was about to pounce on the cow, she made a request. She asked the tiger to let her go home first to feed her newborn cub, promising to return willingly afterward to surrender to him. Initially hesitant, the tiger eventually allowed the cow to go home due to her persistent insistence. The cow returned to her house and nursed her baby cub, but the cub noticed that she seemed unhappy. Curious, the cub inquired about the reason, and the cow narrated the tale of the tiger and her commitment to return to him. In response, the cub expressed a profound sentiment. He conveyed that if the cow didn't exist, there would be no purpose for him to survive, and he would join her. The cub even vowed to request the tiger to spare his mother's life, and if the tiger refused, he would sacrifice himself alongside her. This story of Bahula Van reflects the deep bond and sense of responsibility that exists in the animal kingdom, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

The cow returned with her cub, and the tiger was delighted to see two potential prey instead of one. He was about to pounce on them when suddenly, God appeared and set boundaries. God questioned the nature of the creation, where one has to sacrifice their life while the other fulfills their own satisfaction, without considering others' devotion. This thought-provoking encounter raised the question of whether values truly exist in this world. Should the powerful and superior continually pressurize the weak and less fortunate? Is loyalty not valued anymore? Why should those who feel inferior and powerless give up themselves? Why can't they express gratitude for the life given to them and fight for their rights instead of compromising? The most remarkable aspect of this story, as perceived by the narrator, is that the cub carried values and respect for her mother. Regardless of the circumstances, the cub chose to stand with her mother. This unwavering loyalty and sacrifice are touching and hold profound meaning. The story of Bahula Van raises profound questions about the values, ethics, and treatment of others in our society. It encourages us to reevaluate our actions and attitudes towards those who may be less powerful or disadvantaged. The cub's actions serve as an example of the significance of loyalty, respect, and compassion, demonstrating the essence of humanity in the face of challenging situations.

Indeed, the stories handed down by our ancestors carry a wealth of values that transcend time and culture. The tales of animals displaying dedication to maintaining these values and nurturing them in their own offspring are particularly profound and inspiring. These stories serve as a reminder of the deep wisdom and lessons that our ancestors have left for us. It is disheartening to observe how, as humans, we sometimes seem to be losing touch with these values and principles that have been cherished for generations. The fast-paced and modern world often distracts us, making it challenging to truly appreciate the significance of these stories and the values they hold. I believe even animals are dedicated to maintaining those values and nurturing them in their own offspring. What are we humans doing???? My whole body, mind, and soul got rejuvenated listening to such stories. It has such deep meaning if you read it very carefully again. I remember once I had fallen sick because of some mismanagement by the corporate, and we were treated very badly regarding the food. I had to spend almost one week in the hospital and go through all the medication, which had affected my health very badly. The day I returned home, the first thing I did was I wrote a letter to the international corporate office for the Indian office not taking good care of us. Then I informed my close family and professionals about the same letter; they were not in the same wavelength as me for sending a complaint.  Your actions to address the mistreatment you experienced demonstrate the strength of character and determination to uphold the values that our ancestors have passed down. Each of us can contribute to preserving these values and nurturing them in our lives and the lives of others around us. Let us continue to draw inspiration from these timeless stories, learning from the wisdom they impart, and incorporating these values into our daily lives. In doing so, we can honour the legacy of our ancestors and strive to create a more harmonious and compassionate society. 

I remember, how my philosopher guide and friend made such a lovely statement which I will never forget in my life: 'If everyone will keep quiet, then who will speak?' Everyone has the right to convey what they go through. One has to learn to fight in every situation, never give up. The more you go with the flow, the more you will be harassed. So stand for values which our ancestors have cultivated in us, nurture them in the right direction, rather than getting attracted by the scientific and selfie world. Pay gratitude to life given by God and respect and value it. I do try my best; positivity does work in that. What about you all???