Are family values viable in today's world?

Speak the words ''family values' and 'love', you are immediately branded as old fashioned. But if we take a step back, we realise that good old family values are not really separate from the set of good moral values. If we look at the basket of values that constitutes "family values", we find that honesty in relationships, sharing, standing by family members top the list. Family values are a

traditional set of standards evolved over generations and forms the emotional basis for raising and keeping the family together. They help in formulating our religious and spiritual beliefs and help us to conduct ourselves in society. Our work ethics are also defined by our family values. What we have imbibed in ourselves within the framework of our families is what we will carry with us to the workplace. Children are brought up within the bounds of family values. It makes us the person we are and, therefore, the importance of it cannot be overlooked.

Family members work together to solve problems and support one another to grow as individuals. Common interests and hobbies and shared activities are good catalysts for family values. These discussions help in forming and cementing relationships within the family and help the members to establish balanced relationships outside the family. These opportunities for reinforcement are,

however, becoming scarcer. Work takes precedence over everything else and family life becomes expendable.

There can be no two thoughts that family values are still relevant in the modern society. In an uncertain world where getting ahead by any means is acceptable, how far they can be practiced remains suspect. It is important to have at least one meal a day together, to share experiences, exchange views and give an ear to one another's problems. Family is the emotional bulwark in a person's life. It is important for the members to sit down together and to establish and

understand the values that matter to them and practice it in their daily life. These values will help sustain, support and nourish the entire family.

- by Atreyee Roy

Just For Fun

Utter embarrasment

When I was in school, I went to see one of my friends. His father was present at home that day. My friend had a kid brother. I was sitting on the sofa talking to his brother. Uncle came and sat in front of me. He was trying to prove how smart his child is. Giving a book to his son, he said, " Read out A BCD…..". But the little boy denied. Then uncle smiled and again asked the boy to find out where is father in the book. He was thinking that child would point out at F for father. The kid was very naughty and smart indeed. He turned over A for Apple, then B for Boy, C for cat Xamp; then finally pointing at D for Dog he said " ye hai papa". Uncle was shocked to hear this and tried to smile

somehow. I could hardly control my laugh. -Gaurav