Culture is the life force of a vibrant community; it acts as a foundation for who you are and what your family is. As desis, the eminence of cultural values is relatively high. Festivals, art, history, literature, diversity and our collectivistic nature of society is what makes our culture one of the richest ones so far.
As Indians living abroad, we might find it hard to imbibe such a rich culture into our children’s lives and fear they might miss out on what it has to offer. Back home, festivities and rituals were celebrated sumptuously with a huge gathering of people and exquisite food. They always brought us a deep sense of joy and fulfilment.
How can you give that to your children living in a foreign land?
Luckily the Indian community in Australia has a great deal to provide when it comes to experiencing your Indian roots. Here are a few things you can do to expose your children to the desi way.
Food
“There is no sincerer love than the love of good food” – George Bernard Shaw.
There are verbal and non-verbal means of communication and food does the latter. flavorsome Indian food can be made anywhere in the world and to children, food speaks the loudest. A good desi meal can do wonders when it comes to inspiring culture. You can go to any local Indian grocery store in Australia and whip up something amazing with your family! It serves as a great way to bond and make delightful memories with those little chores you involve them in. Indian restaurants can also be a good alternative if you are a busy family, working throughout the week. Get on Desipedia to find your favourite Indian cuisines.
Language
Nelson Mandela once said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his mother language, that goes to his heart.” Research shows that being fluent in your native language benefits the child in numerous ways. It ensures enhanced cognitive development, supports the learning of other languages, and associates them to their culture. Children learn and recognize their mothers’ voices even before they’re born. If you make it a habit to speak to them in their native tongue, they may learn it very quickly and you’ll have little desi children, speaking in their mother tongue in the most endearing way.
Literature, history, music and art
Indian literature and history serve as a way to expose your children to social realism, rights, and discrimination faced by Indians. It doesn’t have to be negative exposure but instead keeping them aware of the struggles and endeavors faced by their ancestors really gives them a sense of pride and gratification.
Music, art and desi movies are just as well as the most influential ways to involve your children with Indian cultural values and it’s always a charming experience for the whole family.
And finally, festivals!
Festivals, rituals, staying in touch with family and friends, and especially listening to endless stories of our grandparents, are some of the most exhilarating and emotionally stirring seasonings of life. As Indians living abroad this may be something we miss out on physically but there are ways we can still continue our traditions in a foreign country. Virtual meetings with the family is a great way to have your children bond with your family back home. Also staying in touch with the Indian community in Australia does wonders during festive seasons. Connect with the desi pedia family, a platform for Indians.
