Started two decades back in Karnataka, Kutumba Prabodhan is an initiative to rekindle the family bonds, develop good habits and preserve the rich values
Pramod Kumar
The experiment of Kutumba Prabodhan was started in Karnataka about 20 years back in the form of ‘Shrimata’ activity by veteran Sangh Pracharak Shri N Krishnappa. Under this initiative, people from cities visited villages, stayed with the village families to understand each other. It not only bridged the rural-urban divide, but also brought the people from two different backgrounds together. It was renamed as Kutumba Prabodhan about eight years back when the need of expanding this activity at national level was felt. Then the activity focused on strengthening rich family values. It took all India form about 5 years ago. The work in states has picked up momentum and there are regular activities involving thousands of people.
“The very foundation of family is shaking. The clashes among brothers, father-son, husband-wife, lack of samskars among children, tension, depression, suicide, etc are on the rise. The problems are assuming newer forms. Through Kutumba Prabodhan we basically try to offer solution to such problems,” says Shri Bhagwandas, Delhi Prant Kutumba Prabodhan Pramukh, while talking to Organiser.
Shri Bhagwandas defines the family as one which involves people of at least three generations—parents, husband-wife and children. When the persons of three generations live together, the samskars from one generation to the other are easily transferred. Children learn good values from their grandparents. “If I do not serve my parents before my children, do not obey them, then how can I expect my children to serve me when I grow old?,” he says.
“People are so busy today that they do not have time for their family. We say if you do not have time everyday, at least spare an hour for the family once a week. This an hour can be utilised in any activity, which involves the entire family. It could be a family get-together, a satsang, discussion about great personalities, etc. Everyone including the kids or old should have meal together that day. 15 minutes can be spared for discussion on any topic other than political, films, TV serials. It could be about family deity, ancestors, great personalities, saints, glorious history, family business, career of children, etc. Before preaching others, we have started it from our own workers’ families. A good number of workers have found remarkable change in their families after such activities,” adds Shri Bhagwandas.
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He further says: “In order to impart values, we request people to put any religious symbol outside the home, have Tulsi plant and temple inside the home. Equally, putting off candles is regarded inauspicious on birthday. Instead we can light up a lamp in the temple or light the number of lamps outside home as per the age of the birthday boy/girl, perform havan in the house, visit any orphanage home, gaushala, temple, have bhajan-keertan involving family members and neighbours.”
Shri Bhagwandas also insists on some other essential samskars which need to be followed by every family member. For example, we must have only the much meal in the plate, as much we can eat. We must not fill the plate unmindfully and throw the remaining meals in the dustbin. Also, after having the meals, we must ourselves keep the plate at the place where it is to be washed. Equally, we should make our room tidy after getting up in the morning. Equally, we should use light only in the room where we are sitting or working. Also, water should be used judiciously. We also request people to use swadeshi products,” adds Shri Bhagwandas.
Kutumba Prabodhan is an initiative to rekindle family bonds, develop good habits among children and elders and to preserve the rich values, which make us Indians different in the world. At the time when Indian family system is on target by many, the initiative needs wholehearted support.
