Kutumb Prabodhan is made up of two words- “Kutumb” and “Prabodhan” It refers to awakening or enlightenment of the ethos associated with Kutumb (Clan/Extended family). It is associated with Cultural Nationalist Movements, primarily the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and aims to strengthen the bond of unity across the nation through revival and preservation of cultural and traditional values. The term came into limelight when Sarkaryavah of RSS (Rastriya Swayam Sevak Sangh) Shri Dattatreya Hosabale emphasized the significance of Kutumb Prabodhan as a subject of Panch Parivartan (Fivefold Transformations) during the Centenary Year of RSS. He said, “…secondly from a social perspective, we have put forth the subject of Panch Parivartan. Our objectives include changing the intellectual narrative from a national perspective, and to mobilize the Sajjan Shakti (righteous power of the society) for social change. …the idea of Pach Parivartan is to deepen our approach to fundamental reforms by making the workers of the Sangh and its various organizations its torchbearers…. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as insistence on practicing Samarsata in society (equality with fraternity), environment-friendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values (Kutumb Prabodhan), inculcating sense of ‘swa’ based on Bhartiya values in all aspects of life and social awakening for the adherence of civic duties; all these issues concern the society at large.” (Organiser, March26, 2024) As such as he rightly said, “Panch Parivartan is not a subject of academic debate and discussions but something of action and behavior” (something to be practiced).
Kutumb Prabodhan promotes unity, moral values and stability in society. It promotes intergenerational bonds and a sense of duty, which is central to the Bhartiya way of life; it is a moral and spiritual calling that fosters responsibility, love and respect among generations. It aims at strengthening the fabric of Bhartiya Samaj. It signifies a person’s inner conviction to guide, support and nurture the people around in alignment with ethical, cultural and spiritual values. It is a mission that emphasizes an individual’s role in strengthening the nation as an extended family, making it a pillar of global societal harmony and development.
The dissolution of the forms of social security such as Joint Family has restrained all the emotional outlets readily available therein, and Kutumb Prabodhan is a device to serve as an alternative. The demonic globalization has taken a heavy toll of emotional bond as the over busy parents are compelled to leave their children unattended or attended by the hired services. The decline of cultural and societal affinity has led to a shift in societal dynamics- state of non-security, helplessness, alienation, depression, jealousy, cut-throat competition among the near and dear ones, increasing rate of suicide, etc. With the disintegration of the structured forms of social collectivity, the emotional bonds that thrived on shared responsibilities have diminished and with it a sense of collective identity. The wisdom of elders, once integral to decision-making, is often sidelined. The erosion of communal living (it has fiercely endangered the process of cooperation and collective decision-making wherein the individuals would live and work together for mutual benefits, share resources, responsibilities and spaces within a community.) has also reduced communal ties that once provided security and belongingness. This isolation has drastically diminished one’s love and affinity for the nation.
Kutumb Prabodhan- the Bhav (feelings) of Jointness, i.e. togetherness fosters a strong sense of belonging, where each member contributes to one another’s welfare and supports them in daily life, emotional needs and financial matters. It promotes a culture of interdependence, where the nation is seen as a cohesive unit. The shared living arrangement can help preserve traditions, ensure care for the elderly, and provide a safety net for younger or struggling ones, thus reinforcing social and familial bonds. It is a mechanism to control a chaotic situation emanating from the influence of mass opinion over reasoned governance.
Kutumb Prabodhan is a structured, value-driven approach to living; it strengthens cultural, moral and religious principles which provide stability and order. Kutumb Prabodhan practices decision making in consideration of traditions, values and welfare of all; it envisions a system where decisions are made with the long-term national interests. It explodes the myth that only political power constitutes ‘power’ and is used for domination and exploitation. Cultural colonialism is more powerful an avtar and can be used as a tool to erode the base of a civilization.
The aim of Kutumb Prabodhan is to inculcate “love and family bonding in society in a natural way. It is not just sitting and dining together”. Kutumb Prabodhan, family enlightenment or guidance is a practice aimed at fostering harmony, understanding and moral values within families, helping to resolve conflicts and avoid clashes. The key aspects of Kutumb Prabodhan include empowering society through education and skill development to promote self-sufficiency and resilience, instilling values such as respect, tolerance and understanding to promote social cohesion and teaching effective conflict resolution strategies to manage disputes within families and communities.
Quite contrary to Marxist Approach which view only the economic factor- the sole reasons of decline and disintegration of the values associated with Joint Family, Kutumb Prabodhan is a Cultural Dimension to unite the people to serve the nation. The cultural dimensions disappeared because of demonic Globalization. Kutumb Prabodhan is a dimension to connect the people with their cultural roots to strengthen the feelings of nationhood (for nation is primarily a cultural construct). It emphasizes that whenever Bharat lost this cultural connect and became heavily dependent on received knowledge and received experience, it had to suffer severely.
Kutumb Prabodhan aims to serve as a transformative platform to nurture the ideal of Vashudhaiv Kutumbkam (the World as One Family) by instilling values that foster unity, compassion and harmony within the extended cultural/ national family. The extended family becomes a microcosm of the world, where unity amidst diversity is celebrated, and everyone contributes to the collective good. Kutumb Prabodhan makes the ideals of Vashudhaiv Kutumbkam a live reality, creating a harmonious and inclusive world. This microcosmic approach to family relationships mirrors the broader aspirations of global brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
Kutumb Prabodhan is a dimension of social harmony, national pride and civic engagements. Stronger familial bonds lead to more harmonious communities, reducing social tensions and conflicts; they also instill patriotism and responsibility in their members and promote active citizenship. It is an awakening call to rise from the slumber to join hands to make a resurgent Bharat (wherein everyone is culturally awakened).
