Traditions Teach Us Lessons

Just as the world was immersed in expanding the technological horizons, the advent of COVID-19 has decimated it. The world of touch screens, biometrics which gained importance a few months ago, seems to be obsolete in just a matter of days. A symbol of your identity has become the most threatening hotspot of the virus. Many new terminologies evolved in the headlines. Some of them have been in the dictionary for a long like “immunity”, “Sanitizer”, “wash your hands”. Others like “social distancing” are out of the dictionary.

In pursuit of money, achieving the latest technology, competing with a fast-growing economy we left behind time and traditions which taught us the quality life to lead. If we peep and ponder over how our forefathers lived, we will find the answers to many of our present-day problems. This has led me to think about our old age practices which have been forgotten in the present world.

A typical south Indian Brahmin family (the caste is mentioned here because they follow strict rules) abides by the strictest rules and regulations. There were many aspects to think of, a few of them are: When one comes from outside, he or she is expected to take off shoes and wash hands and feet and then enter the room. A bucket of water was kept at the entrance of each house for guests and family members. Isn’t that equal to washing your hands for 20 seconds?

Kitchens used to be large, cooked food did not go out of it, the whole family used to sit there and consume it. Food taken out of the kitchen would mean inviting germs. Jains in India also wish to eat before sunset as they believe in inviting germs after that. Such practices had significance in respecting food and time. On the contrary, today food is cooked somewhere, leave alone dining room, it has found a place in beds along with mobile.

While serving, spoons and forks were handled with clean hands. A cup of water was kept nearby for rinsing one’s fingers in the transition of serving one dish to another. Our grandmothers used to wash their hands several times in between various errands. Now, this habit is considered old-fashioned and easily a person would be categorized insane.

Our meals were wholesome cooked at home. You can feel the taste and nourishment till the last morsel. Many herbs and fruits like Neem, Tulsi, Turmeric, and Amla formed a part of the cuisine. There was no place for fast food and none heard about frozen ones. Recent times have evolved new items of various menus floating in the newspapers and social media. All listing the various vitamins and minerals they supply. Over a period of time, running after fast life, we have distanced ourselves from our core food habits and cuisines, which have resulted in the dearth of essential nutrients for our bodies.

We have destroyed our environment with excessive use of it. Now, it is the place where the virus thrives for the longest hour. Copper sustains the virus for few hours only; didn’t our grandmothers prefer copper utensils over plastic stuff? Elders in our society had always practiced social distancing due to their religious commitments; we experience them in some way or the other. Maybe this was good for their health as we realize now and request them to lead a secluded life for some days. A few stubborn elders would not even allow touching their belongings and clothes. Some would prefer to cook for themselves. A new name has been coined as “social distancing”.

All these thoughts are racing my mind as I go through the newspapers these days. Is it a generation gap? I would call it a technological gap, created by ourselves as we drift away from living real, normal life to a more fast and virtual life. The irony of the situation is that we have the latest technology but still not able to control its trajectory. Have we underestimated its existence? We are blindly watching the dashboards as the numbers rise.

As humble human beings and good citizens, we must abide by the rules and regulations laid down by our respective governments. Do whatever you can do for your good. Let us go back for some time and relive the days of our grandparents and sense how life would be? A little realization now would change our lifestyles for a better tomorrow. Science will never fail us provided we also care for our planet.