Family enlightenment : The foundation of Bharatiya civilization
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Binanda Khundrakpam
The concept of Parivar Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment) lies in the heart of Bharat’s cultural and spiritual strength. It is because of strong and value-centered families that Bharat continues to remain socially rich and morally resilient even today. In Bharatiya thought, the family is not merely a social unit — it is the center of values, learning, and emotional sustenance.
Among the key themes of the Rashtriya Swayam-sevak Sangh’s (RSS) “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations) initiative is Parivar Prabodhan which seeks to transform and inspire the entire society in order to build a strong and unified community. This development must begin with nurturing values and discipline within our families. Our scriptures express this universal idea beautifully: “Vasudhaiva Kutum- bakam” —The whole world is one family. (Maha Upanishad VI.72)
“Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” — Let us ennoble the entire world. (Rig Veda 9.63.5)
These mantras embody Bharat’s eternal vision — that all beings are interconnected as members of our universal family. Where other civilizations saw the world merely as a market, Bharat saw it as a family bound by affection, duty, and dharma. Our seers taught that true global harmony can arise only when humanity acts with the feeling of oneness — when we see every person as a part of our extended family.
Family as a living educational source of values
The Bharatiya family system (kutumb prabodhan) is a unique treasure of our civilization. In Bharatiya homes, three or even four generations live together under one roof — sharing, caring, and celebrating life together. This living together is not merely practical; it is also spiritual. It embodies affection, discipline, and continuity of culture.
In such families, elders are not just members; they are mentors and moral guides. Through stories, play, and lived example, they pass on values such as truth, compassion, respect, and patience to the younger ones.
Children grow up not only learning language and manners but also imbibing ethics and humility. In turn, children and grandchildren see it as their dharma to care for and serve their elders. Respecting parents and grandparents are not taught as a rule — it is lived as a natural expression of gratitude and love.
That is why, traditionally, Bharat never needed “old-age homes” for the elderly or “day-care centers” for children. The family itself was the temple, the school, and the counselling center — all in one. Within its walls, guidance, affection, and discipline coexisted harmoniously. This is the soul of Bharatiya civilization.
Unfortunately, modern influences and blind imitation of Western lifestyles have weakened this sacred structure. The time has come to return to our roots — to restore the family as the strongest foundation of society and the seed of national character.
The Living Culture of Togetherness
Even today, in countless Bharatiya homes, one can see children playing around their grandparents, listening to stories, receiving blessings, and learning how to live with empathy and wisdom. Such a home is not merely a physical space — it is a gurukul, a living classroom of human values.
It is through this environment that culture flows naturally from one generation to another. Nearly one- third of a young person’s personality — their values, discipline, and emotional maturity — comes from their family upbringing. This is Bharat’s greatest strength: a silent yet powerful process of Sanskar transmission that has kept the nation united through centuries.
Our grandparents often understood the minds of children better than any counsellor could. Without formal training, they were natural guides — reading the emotions of the young, resolving their fears, and shaping their thoughts with wisdom. In this sense, every Bharatiya home was once a counselling center, built on trust, affection, and dialogue.
Reviving the Spirit of Family Enlightenment
Today, as the world struggles with loneliness, alienation, and moral confu- sion, Bharat offers a timeless message: that the strength of a nation lies in the strength of its families. When families are united, value-centered, and self-disciplined, society auto- matically becomes peaceful and strong.
To rebuild our cultural roots, uphold our traditions, and strengthen the family system, we must consciously revive the simple yet profound practices followed by our ancestors. If we continue to observe these daily habits in our homes, the values they cherished will naturally return. Let us strive to keep this spiritual and emotional bond alive.
1. Families should eat together, sharing food as an expression of unity, affection, and togetherness.
2. Weekly puja or collective prayers should be conducted, involving all family members, to nurture faith, gratitude, and inner harmony.
3. Homes should resonate with bhajans, aarti, and the gentle sound of prayer bells, creating an atmosphere of devotion and peace.
4. Seeking the blessings of elders by touching their feet before leaving home should remain a cherished practice.
5. Every day and every journey should begin with prayer, remembering the Divine and seeking guidance and protection.
6. Such practices transform every home into a sacred space—a living temple where God is worshipped not only through rituals, but also through mutual respect, love, and selfless service.
7. Youth should be encouraged to spend time with elders, learning from their experiences, wisdom, and life values.
8. Respect, patience, and service must be cultivated as everyday virtues within the household.
9. The home must be recognized as the first and most important institution of Sanskar, where character and values are shaped.
10. Every household should keep an idol of a deity in whom the family has faith and offers daily prayers.
While honouring our traditional ways of celebrating birthdays, we may consciously refrain from adopting Western customs within the home.
11. Wearing traditional attire at home, whenever possible, should be encouraged, as it sustains our culture and supports our local economy.
12. At family and community gatherings, we should converse in our own language, except when listeners are unfamiliar with it.
13. Each family should give priority to locally made products, strengthening self-reliance and supporting indigenous livelihoods.
14. Make it a habit for all family members to learn and sing patriotic song at home; it can inspire and nurture a spirit of patriotism.
15. It is essential for every household to keep its belongings organized, maintain cleanliness, and teach the younger generation how to handle household chores, including preparing our traditional curry, so that they can acquire valuable skills.
16. Choosing a name for our child from our traditional naming customs is important, as it reflects our heritage and keeps the memory of our clan alive.
17. Making regular exercise a daily family habit can benefit everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Bharat’s civilization has not only survived but has continually flourished because of its family values—love, respect, sacrifice, and spirituality. Our ancestors perceived the divine within family relationships: the mother was revered as a goddess, the father as a guru, and elders as the living embodiments of wisdom.
This sentiment is expressed in every household through the maxim, “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava.” (Mother is God, Father is God) The same sentiment is also reflected in a Manipuri proverb—‘Korou Nongdolna wangbra panthou epana mawang-ee, Malem Leimana Lumbara Palem emana marum-mee’
(If the sky is high, my father is higher, if the earth is vast, my mother is vaster. Our parents surpass even the height of the heavens and the vastness of the earth)
The home was not merely a place of residence; it was a school for character formation and a source of National strength—and it can still be so today.
As a cultural value, the coming generation will move toward our religious way. We should teach our children about our forefathers’ culture—it is our duty. We must bring them to our religious offerings, temples, and other places where we perform our religious practices. Not only should we take them to those places, but we should also teach them the importance of the deity and of the sacred sites.
In our forefathers’ time, the character of a child was determined by the father or the family to which he belonged. This illustrates the importance that our families place on values. We must strive to revive the cherished values of our families.
Let us revive the true spirit of friendship by following the example set by our elders, whose relationships often brought entire families together. What began as a bond between two individuals eventually grew into a friendship between their families as well.
The increasing prevalence of singlefamily house- holds is gradually eroding the core values that have traditionally held our families together. In today’s society, the deep bonds of blood relationships—such as those between brothers and sisters, cousins, grandparents, uncles, and aunts— once conveyed through affectionate forms of address, are gradually disappearing from everyday conversation. This trend is likely to become even more concerning in the coming years. To safeguard the well-being of future generations and to build strong, supportive families, it would be prudent for families to aspire to have at least three children.
On the other hand, according to the National Family Health Survey indicate a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 children per woman is widely recognized as the “replacement- level fertility,” which represents the average number of children required for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next without experiencing growth or decline.
Ekenapi su-vrksena puspitena su-gandhina I
Vasitamtad vanam sar-vam su-putrena kulam yatha II
“Just as a single, well-flowered and fragrant tree fills an entire forest with its fragrance, so does one virtuous son bring honour and virtue to the whole family.”
Our main focus should also be on shaping the new generation in alignment with our timeless values and collective vision. The aim is not merely individual success, but the creation of a model, harmonious society rooted in culture, responsibility, and mutual respect.
We aspire to raise our new generation in such a way that they walk confidently on the path already shown by our forefathers—a path of dharma, service, discipline, and social unity. This inheritance of values provides direction, stability, and moral strength in a rapidly changing world.
By instilling sanskar, respect for tradition, and a sense of social duty, the younger generation can become torchbearers of a society that is united, self-reliant, and value-centric. When the wisdom of the past guides the energy of the present, the future naturally becomes strong, balanced, and purposeful.
The Parivar Prabodhan initiative of the RSS emphasizes exactly this — rebuilding Bharat through its families. When families become centers of affection, discipline, and shared purpose, the Nation itself becomes an extended family—the living realization of “Vasudhaiva Kutum-bakam.”
Let us, therefore, reaffirm our commitment to Parivar Prabodhan — to nurture families where faith, respect, and affection flow naturally. Let us restore the home to its rightful place as the heart of Bharatiya civilization. When each family becomes enlightened with values, every village and city will radiate harmony.
From such families shall arise a nation that embraces knowledge, ethics, and economic insight—adopting the most fundamental and enduring approach to national prosperity. As each family improves, Bharat’s overall progress naturally accelerates and becomes more balanced. With these strengthened families, Bharat will emerge as a prosperous nation and advance on the path of ultimate greatness.
‘vasundhara parivara hamara hindu ka yaha visala cintana isa vaisvika jivana darsana se manava jati hogi pavana’
Our Earth family, this vast Hindu contemplation—through this universal philosophy of life, the human race will become pure.
The writer is Sah Prant Pracharak, RSS, Manipur Prant
The concept of Parivar Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment) lies in the heart of Bharat’s cultural and spiritual strength. It is because of strong and value-centered families that Bharat continues to remain socially rich and morally resilient even today. In Bharatiya thought, the family is not merely a social unit — it is the center of values, learning, and emotional sustenance.
Among the key themes of the Rashtriya Swayam-sevak Sangh’s (RSS) “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations) initiative is Parivar Prabodhan which seeks to transform and inspire the entire society in order to build a strong and unified community. This development must begin with nurturing values and discipline within our families. Our scriptures express this universal idea beautifully: “Vasudhaiva Kutum- bakam” —The whole world is one family. (Maha Upanishad VI.72)
“Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” — Let us ennoble the entire world. (Rig Veda 9.63.5)
These mantras embody Bharat’s eternal vision — that all beings are interconnected as members of our universal family. Where other civilizations saw the world merely as a market, Bharat saw it as a family bound by affection, duty, and dharma. Our seers taught that true global harmony can arise only when humanity acts with the feeling of oneness — when we see every person as a part of our extended family.
Family as a living educational source of values
The Bharatiya family system (kutumb prabodhan) is a unique treasure of our civilization. In Bharatiya homes, three or even four generations live together under one roof — sharing, caring, and celebrating life together. This living together is not merely practical; it is also spiritual. It embodies affection, discipline, and continuity of culture.
In such families, elders are not just members; they are mentors and moral guides. Through stories, play, and lived example, they pass on values such as truth, compassion, respect, and patience to the younger ones.
Children grow up not only learning language and manners but also imbibing ethics and humility. In turn, children and grandchildren see it as their dharma to care for and serve their elders. Respecting parents and grandparents are not taught as a rule — it is lived as a natural expression of gratitude and love.
That is why, traditionally, Bharat never needed “old-age homes” for the elderly or “day-care centers” for children. The family itself was the temple, the school, and the counselling center — all in one. Within its walls, guidance, affection, and discipline coexisted harmoniously. This is the soul of Bharatiya civilization.
Unfortunately, modern influences and blind imitation of Western lifestyles have weakened this sacred structure. The time has come to return to our roots — to restore the family as the strongest foundation of society and the seed of national character.
The Living Culture of Togetherness
Even today, in countless Bharatiya homes, one can see children playing around their grandparents, listening to stories, receiving blessings, and learning how to live with empathy and wisdom. Such a home is not merely a physical space — it is a gurukul, a living classroom of human values.
It is through this environment that culture flows naturally from one generation to another. Nearly one- third of a young person’s personality — their values, discipline, and emotional maturity — comes from their family upbringing. This is Bharat’s greatest strength: a silent yet powerful process of Sanskar transmission that has kept the nation united through centuries.
Our grandparents often understood the minds of children better than any counsellor could. Without formal training, they were natural guides — reading the emotions of the young, resolving their fears, and shaping their thoughts with wisdom. In this sense, every Bharatiya home was once a counselling center, built on trust, affection, and dialogue.
Reviving the Spirit of Family Enlightenment
Today, as the world struggles with loneliness, alienation, and moral confu- sion, Bharat offers a timeless message: that the strength of a nation lies in the strength of its families. When families are united, value-centered, and self-disciplined, society auto- matically becomes peaceful and strong.
To rebuild our cultural roots, uphold our traditions, and strengthen the family system, we must consciously revive the simple yet profound practices followed by our ancestors. If we continue to observe these daily habits in our homes, the values they cherished will naturally return. Let us strive to keep this spiritual and emotional bond alive.
1. Families should eat together, sharing food as an expression of unity, affection, and togetherness.
2. Weekly puja or collective prayers should be conducted, involving all family members, to nurture faith, gratitude, and inner harmony.
3. Homes should resonate with bhajans, aarti, and the gentle sound of prayer bells, creating an atmosphere of devotion and peace.
4. Seeking the blessings of elders by touching their feet before leaving home should remain a cherished practice.
5. Every day and every journey should begin with prayer, remembering the Divine and seeking guidance and protection.
6. Such practices transform every home into a sacred space—a living temple where God is worshipped not only through rituals, but also through mutual respect, love, and selfless service.
7. Youth should be encouraged to spend time with elders, learning from their experiences, wisdom, and life values.
8. Respect, patience, and service must be cultivated as everyday virtues within the household.
9. The home must be recognized as the first and most important institution of Sanskar, where character and values are shaped.
10. Every household should keep an idol of a deity in whom the family has faith and offers daily prayers.
While honouring our traditional ways of celebrating birthdays, we may consciously refrain from adopting Western customs within the home.
11. Wearing traditional attire at home, whenever possible, should be encouraged, as it sustains our culture and supports our local economy.
12. At family and community gatherings, we should converse in our own language, except when listeners are unfamiliar with it.
13. Each family should give priority to locally made products, strengthening self-reliance and supporting indigenous livelihoods.
14. Make it a habit for all family members to learn and sing patriotic song at home; it can inspire and nurture a spirit of patriotism.
15. It is essential for every household to keep its belongings organized, maintain cleanliness, and teach the younger generation how to handle household chores, including preparing our traditional curry, so that they can acquire valuable skills.
16. Choosing a name for our child from our traditional naming customs is important, as it reflects our heritage and keeps the memory of our clan alive.
17. Making regular exercise a daily family habit can benefit everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Bharat’s civilization has not only survived but has continually flourished because of its family values—love, respect, sacrifice, and spirituality. Our ancestors perceived the divine within family relationships: the mother was revered as a goddess, the father as a guru, and elders as the living embodiments of wisdom.
This sentiment is expressed in every household through the maxim, “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava.” (Mother is God, Father is God) The same sentiment is also reflected in a Manipuri proverb—‘Korou Nongdolna wangbra panthou epana mawang-ee, Malem Leimana Lumbara Palem emana marum-mee’
(If the sky is high, my father is higher, if the earth is vast, my mother is vaster. Our parents surpass even the height of the heavens and the vastness of the earth)
The home was not merely a place of residence; it was a school for character formation and a source of National strength—and it can still be so today.
As a cultural value, the coming generation will move toward our religious way. We should teach our children about our forefathers’ culture—it is our duty. We must bring them to our religious offerings, temples, and other places where we perform our religious practices. Not only should we take them to those places, but we should also teach them the importance of the deity and of the sacred sites.
In our forefathers’ time, the character of a child was determined by the father or the family to which he belonged. This illustrates the importance that our families place on values. We must strive to revive the cherished values of our families.
Let us revive the true spirit of friendship by following the example set by our elders, whose relationships often brought entire families together. What began as a bond between two individuals eventually grew into a friendship between their families as well.
The increasing prevalence of singlefamily house- holds is gradually eroding the core values that have traditionally held our families together. In today’s society, the deep bonds of blood relationships—such as those between brothers and sisters, cousins, grandparents, uncles, and aunts— once conveyed through affectionate forms of address, are gradually disappearing from everyday conversation. This trend is likely to become even more concerning in the coming years. To safeguard the well-being of future generations and to build strong, supportive families, it would be prudent for families to aspire to have at least three children.
On the other hand, according to the National Family Health Survey indicate a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 children per woman is widely recognized as the “replacement- level fertility,” which represents the average number of children required for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next without experiencing growth or decline.
Ekenapi su-vrksena puspitena su-gandhina I
Vasitamtad vanam sar-vam su-putrena kulam yatha II
“Just as a single, well-flowered and fragrant tree fills an entire forest with its fragrance, so does one virtuous son bring honour and virtue to the whole family.”
Our main focus should also be on shaping the new generation in alignment with our timeless values and collective vision. The aim is not merely individual success, but the creation of a model, harmonious society rooted in culture, responsibility, and mutual respect.
We aspire to raise our new generation in such a way that they walk confidently on the path already shown by our forefathers—a path of dharma, service, discipline, and social unity. This inheritance of values provides direction, stability, and moral strength in a rapidly changing world.
By instilling sanskar, respect for tradition, and a sense of social duty, the younger generation can become torchbearers of a society that is united, self-reliant, and value-centric. When the wisdom of the past guides the energy of the present, the future naturally becomes strong, balanced, and purposeful.
The Parivar Prabodhan initiative of the RSS emphasizes exactly this — rebuilding Bharat through its families. When families become centers of affection, discipline, and shared purpose, the Nation itself becomes an extended family—the living realization of “Vasudhaiva Kutum-bakam.”
Let us, therefore, reaffirm our commitment to Parivar Prabodhan — to nurture families where faith, respect, and affection flow naturally. Let us restore the home to its rightful place as the heart of Bharatiya civilization. When each family becomes enlightened with values, every village and city will radiate harmony.
From such families shall arise a nation that embraces knowledge, ethics, and economic insight—adopting the most fundamental and enduring approach to national prosperity. As each family improves, Bharat’s overall progress naturally accelerates and becomes more balanced. With these strengthened families, Bharat will emerge as a prosperous nation and advance on the path of ultimate greatness.
‘vasundhara parivara hamara hindu ka yaha visala cintana isa vaisvika jivana darsana se manava jati hogi pavana’
Our Earth family, this vast Hindu contemplation—through this universal philosophy of life, the human race will become pure.
The writer is Sah Prant Pracharak, RSS, Manipur Prant