The Indian Way of Showing Respect: A Cultural Tapestry Weaved with Reverence
In the vast, richly-colored canvas of the world’s cultures, India stands out as an exquisite patchwork of traditions, languages, rituals, and ways of life. Each of its diverse customs is deeply rooted in the loamy soil of respect — respect for elders, respect for peers, respect for nature, respect for the divine. As American author Mark Twain astutely observed during his travels to India, “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition.”
At the very heart of this grand tapestry, lies the Indian tradition of showing respect, a trait imbued in every thread of this fascinating culture. The Indian way of demonstrating respect is not a simple gesture, it is a philosophy — an art, even, that has been intricately woven into the social fabric of the country.
Perhaps the most emblematic practice of respect in Indian culture is the “Namaste”. This traditional Indian greeting, performed by folding both hands together near the chest, often accompanied by a slight bow, is a fundamental demonstration of respect. The word ‘Namaste’ is derived from Sanskrit and translates to “I bow to the divine in you”. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of Indian respect: recognizing and honoring the divine presence in each individual.
Another profound Indian custom demonstrating respect is the tradition of touching the feet of elders, known as “Charan Sparsh”. As Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate Indian polymath, once eloquently remarked, “Age considers, youth ventures”. In India, elders are considered reservoirs of wisdom and knowledge. Thus, touching their feet is seen as an expression of deep reverence, seeking their blessings and wisdom. It symbolizes the recognition that the knowledge and life experiences of our elders provide us the necessary foundations to forge our own path.
Respect in the Indian context is not only reserved for people, it extends to nature and all its beings. The practice of ‘Pradakshina’ or circumambulation around sacred trees and animals is a testament to this fact. Many Indian deities are associated with animals, trees, and rivers, and their worship indirectly encourages respect for nature. As the ancient Indian scripture Atharva Veda espouses, “The Earth is mother, her children we are.” Inherent in this belief is the reverence for the Earth and its abundant life-forms.
Respect in India is also displayed in the language used. The sophisticated linguistic structure of many Indian languages incorporates different levels of formality, with specific terms used to address elders, peers, and those younger. For instance, the Hindi language has two forms of the second person pronoun ‘you’: ‘Tum’ for those younger or of the same age, and ‘Aap’ used to show respect to elders or superiors.
The culture of respect is deeply enshrined in Indian hospitality as well. The Sanskrit phrase, “Atithi Devo Bhava”, meaning “The guest is equivalent to God”, serves as a guiding principle in Indian homes. Guests are treated with great respect and care, with every effort made to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Men are respectable only as they respect”. In the grand symphony of diverse world cultures, the Indian way of showing respect adds a harmonious note that resonates with the core human virtue of empathy. India’s customs and traditions of respect are not just social practices, but they are profound life philosophies that nurture humility, foster relationships, and shape the character of individuals. They reflect an understanding of respect that transcends the boundaries of age, status, or creed, embracing every life form in its warm, reverential fold.
Ceremonies and rituals in India are often elaborate portrayals of this respect culture. From weddings to funerals, every event is marked by numerous customs that epitomize respect for traditions, individuals, and community. The pouring of rice into the sacred fire during marriages, the final salute to the departed during funerals — each act resonates with deep reverence. As the acclaimed Indian philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan aptly stated, “The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.”
Education in India is a fine example of this culture of respect. Indian students are taught to treat their teachers as ‘Gurus’, a term that transcends the confines of a mere instructor and elevates the person to a pedestal of reverence. The Guru-Shishya tradition in India is not merely an exchange of knowledge, but a relationship marked by respect, dedication, and commitment.
Even in the field of arts and sports, the Indian way of respect is deeply ingrained. Musicians often pay respect to their instruments before a performance, treating them not as inanimate objects, but as sacred tools for expression. Athletes, too, bow their heads in reverence to the field before a match, acknowledging the ground that enables them to showcase their prowess.
In the Indian workplace, the culture of respect finds its place through a nuanced understanding of hierarchies and collegial relationships. Acknowledging one’s superior, respecting their opinions, and maintaining cordial relations with colleagues are hallmarks of this ethos. But respect in Indian offices is not a one-way street; it advocates for an environment where every voice matters, mirroring Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy: “I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world.”
The dining table in Indian homes is another arena where respect is routinely displayed. Sharing food, serving elders first, and not wasting food are deeply rooted practices showcasing gratitude and respect for the bounty of nature.
The Indian way of showing respect is a unique blend of customs, traditions, and the ethos of the people. It is a nuanced tapestry of reverence and admiration that is not confined to individuals alone but extends to every aspect of life — nature, traditions, and even inanimate objects. It is an intricate ballet of humility, gratitude, and honour, choreographed to the rhythm of life.
In essence, the Indian culture of respect is a vibrant testament to the words of author and spiritualist Eckhart Tolle, “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” The Indian way of respect teaches us to value and honour all forms of life and existence, paving the path for a harmonious coexistence with the world around us. And in this dance of mutual respect and admiration, lies the heart of India’s rich cultural heritage, reverberating through the ages.
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