Page 107 - SocialHarmony

16

Woman: The Source of Energy for
Our Social System

(On the occasion of birth centenary of Lakshmibai
Kelkar, Town Hall, Ahmedabad. December 5, 2004)

The assessment of various societies across the world has left
sociologists in no doubt that our robust social structure is
our greatest strength. It has the power to survive the ups and
downs of changing times. It has the ability to leave behind the
old and accept the new, without compromising on its roots or
its origins. These sociologists have arrived at the conclusion that
the tradition of family is the cornerstone of the entire social
arrangement and valuable history of India. It is only due to this
unbroken chain that the potential of our society has remained
preserved. This tradition of family is one of India’s most precious
assets.

It is the tradition of the family which has given life to the
entire social system. This truth is accepted all over, but only we
know the real force behind this. An in-depth examination will
reveal that the family system is alive only because our women
are at the root of it. This is a cultural training given to our
daughters. No matter how lavishly she has been brought up in
her parental home, she learns to adjust and live her life according
to the circumstances of her husband’s family, making great
sacrifices in the process. This will to sacrifice has kept the family
system alive since thousands of years. You will be surprised to
know that dedicated efforts are being made to save the family
system in America; broken families are one of the major
problems that they are struggling with.