Human Values in Social Life
If wealth is lost, nothing is lost, if health is lost, something is lost, if character is lost, everything is lost; in the light of the increase in crimes, scams and other unlawful acts, this saying is more apt and relevant in today’s world. The saying simply means that ‘character’ is the most important thing for an individual. Character is a bundle of behaviours. Behaviour of a person depends on his values, morals and principles. Thus, the simple logic is, values determine the character of an individual. Good values, good character and vice-versa. Human values are those values that are essential for a human being. These values include a sense of belongingness to others, compassion, non-violence, commitment, loving, sharing, caring, preserving the natural environment, social service, etc.
Social life is the life of an individual when he comes in contact with the society. Man is an inter-dependent animal. Hence, he has to interact with other people in the society for a smoother life. We are all born with certain values, but, as we grow up, somewhere dirt covers it up and loses its importance. Only when the dirt is washed will it come into light again.
So, what is the need for human values in this social life? In this world where competition, jealousy, selfishness, ego is on the rise, people would go to any extent to just get their work done. When corruption is on the rise, development takes a back seat. Hence, human values play a decisive role.
Is it practical to expect people to follow human values in today’s materialistic world? YES!
One inspiring example is that of Kathewadi, a village in Maharashtra. This village was called the ‘model/ideal village’ by the national news channel, NDTV 24/7. The specialty of this village is that there is a shop named ‘JAI GURUDEV’ which functions without a shopkeeper. All products are priced, the customers pick up what they want, keep the money, take the change is required and go. The first time I heard it, I thought it was just a dream. I don’t think such shops exist even in the so called ‘developed countries’. This village is an embodiment of human values. The village is witnessing economic, educational and spiritual development. Trust, loving, caring, sharing can be seen at its best in this village. The village is also free from alcohol and drugs. The villagers themselves burnt it all in public. The villagers have made their own roads and drainage systems without any kind of Government intervention. Kathewadi is an example for us to learn from.
Why is it that we don’t follow human values? It is easier and more convenient to not follow. The advantage of living human values is that life becomes more simple and smooth. One formula to create an ideal state is to follow the principle which was said by Plato during his times, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
What is that essential human value for today? The answer would be commitment, which means, everyone sticks to their promises. Let us assume (for the sake of an example) the organizers decided to not turn up today without any notification to the participants! The participants would have grumbled a lot. This is what is happening today. Not everyone is keeping their promise. In today’s social life where corruption, nepotism, red-tapism has become the order of the day, commitment from people will ensure everyone performs their respective duties. When everyone performs their duties properly, where is the need to give bribe or accept bribe? Automatically everything sets right on its own.
A Universal Declaration of Human Values was unveiled by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 2007. H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has also set up the International Association for Human Values. It is based at Geneva with a mission to cut across all borders, cultures to help the human values blossom in people. The IAHV conducts various workshops, trauma relief camps, other programs connected to empowerment of youth and women.
What is the next step ahead? Education! By education, I’m not referring to the number of degrees one holds. Education is moral and intellectual teaching. We should work towards creating an education system where values are given more importance than marks. With a value based education system, we are sure to create a self sufficient world of loving, caring and sharing people.
