A debate has been trending on social media recently regarding the traditional ways we celebrate festivals. One side argues that an 82-year-old father-in-law carrying a heavy bundle of sugarcane on his bicycle for 17 kilometers, or a mother-in-law preparing 155 varieties of dishes for Makar Sankranti, are symbols of gender inequality—suggesting that women are being conditioned to serve and provide comfort to men.
However, I view this through a different lens. Viewing "affection" and "familial duty" solely through the prism of power dynamics is, in my opinion, a significant misunderstanding of the Indian family fabric.
1. Affection Knows No Convenience
When an elderly man carries sugarcane or a mother spends hours preparing a grand feast, it isn't out of compulsion or to establish a hierarchy. These are profound expressions of unconditional love. This inherent flexibility and sacrifice within relationships are the very foundations of the Indian family system. To "normalize" these acts as mere "comfort for men and discomfort for women" is to diminish the sacredness of human bonds.
2. A World Beyond Money
In this era of globalization, the world is racing toward "materialism" and "individualism." While loyalty, love, and devotion are fading in many cultures, Indian festivals keep these values alive. Many nations look at the Indian family structure with awe because of this very spirit of giving and the immense love we have for one another. These are treasures that money simply cannot buy.
3. The Strength of the Family Chain
While Western societies are often struggling with the side effects of extreme individualism, the "chain" that holds Indian families together is made of these very moments of selfless effort. Labeling acts of love as "slavery" or "inequality" is a dangerous trend.
Conclusion
In reality, those who criticize these traditions often do so because they haven't experienced the warmth of such a deep-rooted family support system. This Pongal has once again proven that there is a world that exists far beyond financial gain—a world built on love and gratitude.
What is that one selfless thing your elders do during festivals that makes you feel loved? Share your favorite family Pongal memories with me!
Regards
Raja K.S
A debate has been trending on social media recently regarding the traditional ways we celebrate festivals. One side argues that an 82-year-old father-in-law carrying a heavy bundle of sugarcane on his bicycle for 17 kilometers, or a mother-in-law preparing 155 varieties of dishes for Makar Sankranti, are symbols of gender inequality—suggesting that women are being conditioned to serve and provide comfort to men.
However, I view this through a different lens. Viewing "affection" and "familial duty" solely through the prism of power dynamics is, in my opinion, a significant misunderstanding of the Indian family fabric.
1. Affection Knows No Convenience
When an elderly man carries sugarcane or a mother spends hours preparing a grand feast, it isn't out of compulsion or to establish a hierarchy. These are profound expressions of unconditional love. This inherent flexibility and sacrifice within relationships are the very foundations of the Indian family system. To "normalize" these acts as mere "comfort for men and discomfort for women" is to diminish the sacredness of human bonds.
2. A World Beyond Money
In this era of globalization, the world is racing toward "materialism" and "individualism." While loyalty, love, and devotion are fading in many cultures, Indian festivals keep these values alive. Many nations look at the Indian family structure with awe because of this very spirit of giving and the immense love we have for one another. These are treasures that money simply cannot buy.
3. The Strength of the Family Chain
While Western societies are often struggling with the side effects of extreme individualism, the "chain" that holds Indian families together is made of these very moments of selfless effort. Labeling acts of love as "slavery" or "inequality" is a dangerous trend.
Conclusion
In reality, those who criticize these traditions often do so because they haven't experienced the warmth of such a deep-rooted family support system. This Pongal has once again proven that there is a world that exists far beyond financial gain—a world built on love and gratitude.
What is that one selfless thing your elders do during festivals that makes you feel loved? Share your favorite family Pongal memories with me!
Regards
Raja K.S
