Holistic Development

There is so much talk about development, be it an individual's or the society's. But then what is development ? What does one need to acquire in order to be 'developed' ? Frankly, these questions are difficult to answer. Does development mean the techno savvy and jet life of today or the quiet and slow life of the past. To keep my views focused, I have kept my discussion about individual's role in self and societal development.

Starting with initial formative years, a child develops so many abilities like mobility, language, emotions, exploration, taste, etc. Supplementing these, the family instills moral values through stories, good habits through routine process and a few tasks to be completed by independently by the child. I remember that my grandmother, who successfully handled children in her creche, would ask all kids to bring some water in a glass across the room. As a kid, I found it amusing but later on I realized its importance in developing concentration. This incident still has me thinking as to how certain playgroup activities influence us in our development. Keeping the footwear in the shoe stand, washing hands and feet after coming home, praying at dinner time, waiting for the entire family at the dinner table, completing assigned chores and homework, sharing with brothers and sisters, caring for others (no matter what species!), doing puja and reciting shlokas with elders and so many more fond memories. These very memories; good or bad, are what make us, define us and channel us towards meeting challenges.

As a teenager, the child displays the off shoots of sudden growth, both physically and psychologically. The confusion about leaving childhood and stepping into adult hood, leaves the child rebellious and in urgent need of being on track. Isn't this the time that most of us took up various activities of our interest, be it hobbies or sports ? The ability to multitask between different activities like study, sports, reading, music, etc combined with the divine presence of friends, indeed helped in the adolescent phase. The involvement in all these was enough to let the teenage identify likes and dislikes. Few demonstrated more focus which turned into success in the form of medals and recognition. And all this on top of all the good habits and morals inculcated during childhood years. The simple act of bringing a glass of 'un-spilt' water as a child, really helped in collecting and nurturing water (read hobbies or interests) as a teenager.

The adult phase of a human is indeed the longest not only in terms of time but also in terms of shouldering responsibility. The qualities acquired as a teenager need to be fine tuned further to complete and complement the education or skill development, as may be the case. The inherent habits (which become a part of daily routine) along with the morals learnt as a child and experiences gained as a teenager / adult; aid in identifying the person's area of interest to pursue career. It is during the good and bad times, that a person shows his character, which in course invites friendships and love for more years to come. A person undergoing these develops so many traits desired in so many roles that after more wear and tear, there is need to turn to meditation, yoga or self reflection. Such developments indeed alleviate the person for better thinking and behavior and promote for a healthy body, healthy soul, healthy family, healthy society. Live and let live.

The society development starts at the basic unit ie family, a close knit family is a micro reflection of healthy society that provides the cocoon for the new generation. The village with its nature and hardships; the city with its amenities and problems; the country with its strengths and challenges; all provide ample security in growth and development even in the face of adversity. 

Holistic development is all about developing appropriately at the relevant time along with bringing contentment and peace to individual and society. A healthy mind and body reflects on the society too. Life has become more positive too due to modern facilities. Life expectancy and cures to many illnesses has all been possible due to development. Communication and reach-ability has become possible along with equality among the humans. Mankind has gone beyond the provision of food-shelter-clothing. The need is to go beyond the self holistic development towards the nurturing of environment too.

Chanakya Vs The Modern Parent

                                    

My childhood memories fondly recall the voracious reading of story books and especially 'Amar Chitra Katha' which still presents the central characters in a very engrossing way to the child. One such story on Chanakya, fascinated me. I, as a parent also ensured that my daughter got to read a series of books by the same publication house. Their illustrations and story telling has a profound impact on the young readers imagination that ensures development of good vocabulary and thought orientation. 

With these memories and an inclination towards teaching, I always have great respect for Chanakya was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor. Chanakya assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power. He is widely credited for having played an important role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire. His recognition as a teacher comes from the fact that he chiseled a young simple boy into a great king. At the same time, due admiration for the boy who displayed his potential and ruled just and wise as a king. 

This situation demands a thought for three things : 1) the teacher 2) the student and 3 ) the situation. The exceptional qualities displayed by the teacher in identifying the boy with potential was the first in a series to writing the history. His next task of channeling the young mind and training the body and soul for challenges and difficulties; proved that he had to plan and get things done with an iron hand and wisdom. On the part of the student, he had to get his potential and strength channelized in a way to achieve greatness and as well as strive for a position that he was not his birth right for a patriarchal society. The greatness of the two men may probably as a result of the situation prevailing during the era which eagerly welcomed the change brought about by the two.

Now consider the modern society. Are parents not the first teachers to their child ? Are they not responsible in developing their child's potential or abilities ? A parent may not be as great a teacher as Chanakya but let us also not forget that children learn from parents. The fast paced life has put a dent in this parental responsibility. The pressures of pursuing career, managing home, keeping up with social life etc has ensured that kids become independent at a very young age and the lack of a role model further ensures that they remain ensconced with electronic gadgets or a cocoon of their own. In turn parents lack the mindset to channelize the young mind to achieve greatness. The whole idea of story telling about role models through generations gets lost somewhere in the pressures of the modern world. What we see today is a world that needs to tackle so many global issues related to environment, pollution, health etc but who would want to give away their worldly luxuries to be in tune with the nature? Let us not forget that mother nature is our greatest teacher only if we are an equally disciplined student.

Entrepreneurs are finding solutions to garbage and cleaning but as a parent, tell me - would you want your child to think about garbage ? What nature needs is not what we want. Our education system provides literacy to masses but needs to educate the classes to achieve great feats. The third aspect ie situation is what demands and identifies the needs which along with the first two ie student and teacher will provide a successful solution. A parent has a lot of obligations towards the family and the most important amongst them is to develop or let a good teacher develop the young generation.

Chanakya was always known as a great teacher and a guru to Chandragupt but not as a parent to his exceptional disciple. Their success is in fact due to them being a true teacher and a true disciple. Indeed, it is very difficult to identify and promote such greatness without the pitfalls of societal or political interference. I strongly believe that a situation will prevail to ensure the birth of a right teacher and a right student that will make a difference.