At the age of sixty plus most
people say there is no use in going for further study. Without going into
controversy I would say, if there was a course on ‘Personality grooming and
etiquette’ I would ,even at my ripe age
of sixty six, go for , if there be any opportunity, further study in UK, of course if found
eligible . As I am not much acquainted with Universities abroad, I would like
go for either Oxford or Cambridge, as these two names carry with them aroma of
the British magnanimity and aristocracy .
I was born in 1948 , in
independent India which still followed the British culture in general life.
British are known for their modesty and etiquette, though with a stiff upper
lip, I still long for the goodness morality, and ethics infused in people in
British period. My Grandfather was a typical British product which I admired a
lot. He did not shout while reprimanding
juniors, he possessed enough courage and
strength of character and as a General Manager of a Brick Factory in the
Santhal area, was revered and loved for his tough but just stance and I am sure
he had a lot of British culture in him. British people are known for their
justice.
I would not say that I was in
favour of the British rule and want it back, or that I am not proud to be a
citizen of Independent India. But I think with independence Indian people did
not get proper rulers, proper education proper food, clothing and most
important respect. The rulers and ruled alike lack proper knowledge and
culture.
Grandapa was extremely punctual
in keeping time for any appointment, very much a British culture.
I would often see Grandpa waiting
for the right ‘Time’ fully dressed up and ready. If he arrived ten
minutes ahead of time, he would stay outside and call on the person n the appointed
time. I learned a lot from watching him.
If you ask me why do I long for
British culture, I would answer, independent India, especially in West Bengal
there is no culture at all, either British or Indian. India is a place ruled
for several hundreds decades by
several rulers.
The lack of any ethical or moral
education our children are going downhill along with the society. Politics has
ruined the moral and mental health of a generation of people badly. A political
party has erased and taken out all moral and ethical values, that they
considered old and back dated , but failed to put in new values. Our society is
therefore full with young people arrogant, insubordinate, puffing into their elders face and calling it
courage. There is no regard in our society today for elders and women, which
pains me a lot. They do not follow Vivekananda nor any other religious teachings and knows only
one thing :how to break rules and how to make their parent shamefaced.
They kill, rape and loot, they
children of well educated and affluent families, as also the vagabonds.
I know I will not be able to
teach all of them or bring about a change in the cultural level, but I would
still want to educate myself with the best culture of the world (it is my
personal opinion) and cleanse myself with the rots and filth with I get with
everyday newspapers and television. I would like to educate as far as I can ,
the young people around me the values of modesty, etiquette and morality.
Of course I have no use to take
it to the burning-ghat with me, but would try how little it might be,
To teach children I come across,
the value of discipline , uprightness, , etiquette, modesty and ethics.
If only we could make our
degenerated society turn into a Utopia.
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