This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Transmission of Values or Transition in Values?

Anjali — University of Allahabad, Allahabad

Transition from ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ to globalization has changed the concept of values in present day society. Emerging conflicting situations between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ and their impact on interpersonal relationships, family in particular, is a matter of concern for common people and social scientists as well. The most frequently made remarks are “parents are not giving samskars” “the younger generation does not give importance to values” “they don’t have faith in religion” etc. Maybe we are concerned about the traditions, maybe this is a fear of breaking the continuity of samskars, which earlier played a significant role in establishing values in society, but which now have been reduced to rituals only. The most significant and established institution of marriage is either breaking or is becoming meaningless. Today the spirit of nationalism has become outdated. On the other hand new Samskar Schools are being opened to inculcate traditional cultural values among children. Few basic issues emerge out of this scenario. Can a society, a whole generation be valueless? Transition in values is probably termed as value deterioration. With technological development around, how can children derive values and integrate them? What are the perceived meaning, form and mechanism of imparting samskars in present Indian society? These issues need to be addressed. An attempt is made to deal with these issues in the present paper.