26/04/2024
Culture is the accumulation of set trends regarding customs, food, ethics, language, dressing, etc. of a civilization. Over a period of several centuries all these trends together are recognized as the culture of a particular community or a region or a country.
People belonging to any culture follow the trends that are set years before in a society.
In India the first trendsetter that comes to my mind is Rama. He has set many trends that were novel in his times. Many of his deeds became ethical norms in the past centuries. The historical hero became our God and we continue to worship him even today.
In those times when polygamy was a common practice, Rama remained married only to Sita. Ekapatni is the title attributed to him. He is the epitome of sacrifice and love. Out of these qualities he has ably kept his word through all hardships and fulfilled his duties - kartavya - for which he is known as ekavachani. He looked after his pupils and his kingdom efficiently where everyone led a peaceful and truthful life. His reign was praised as Ramarajya - the term equivalent to peace and harmony.
When we speak about culture we assume something which is age old and that we follow without questioning. But Rama makes us think about this assumption as he is perhaps the foremost who has set many new trends and has ably walked on his set path.
After Rama there were many more who ed the wheels of society and have contributed to its growth. Let us pause and revisit our history and culture
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