It is pretty awesome to see joint families living in harmony
even today, respecting all the relationships within and giving space to each
person while connecting wisely. I have to share this true story of a gujrati
family where 80 to 85 members live, united and caring of each other. You will
wonder...HOW is it possible? Let me say this. The seeds of such living are
planted very early, with traditions, principles and values in place, too. Every
member, therefore, knows only this way of life which can't be faulted really.
If only all humanity could learn to live this way, with a give and take of
love, harmony and wisdom! The philosophy is, live like a well oiled machine
which is highly productive. The members are the parts of the machine and the
oil is the love, understanding, caring and generosity, all of these looked upon
as love based generations.
So, this family has one large home where only the parents
live now. They have been wise enough to give every child another home as they
got married. But, there is only one kitchen, the one in the parental home. All
the ladies have to take over and share the administration of the kitchen in
turns. Any guest has to come only to the main home. If one member's business
takes a knock, the others compensate for the loss and support that member.
What would you call this? Unconditional love? Duty
consciousness? The upbringing? Genuine emotions for each other? It is so
uplifting to even think of such an existence. I love this story because I grew
up in a joint family, though in a smaller set up, but have seen these emotions
at work and have been a recipient as well. Today, when I see so much artifice
in society, I like to dwell on this story. It has the power to make me
instantly happy.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
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