Good morning one and all. Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends, it is my pleasure and privilege to stand before you today. I am honored to have this opportunity to speak to such a distinguished audience.Today on this occasion, I would like to talk about a rather beautiful and significant aspect of our lives, culture.
Culture is an integral part of any functioning society. It is an intricate collection of values, beliefs and traditions that inevitably influence society as a whole and thus influence individual behaviours too. A prime example of culture is Indian society. India is a land of cultures, from north to south and east to west, its heritage is painted with cultures from everywhere.
Festivals are often a reflection of culture, although Diwali is celebrated across the nation, the way it is celebrated differs from region to region. There are prime distinctions in the attire of the people, the food they eat and even the utensils they use. From condiments, clothes, cuisines to celebrations, each aspect is influenced by culture and each aspect then becomes a part of culture too.
This means that what was passed unto us, we pass onto future generations. Art, fashion, literature are all a part of culture too. Culture basically reflects the life of people and it becomes so integral that it becomes a part of their life too. Each culture is diverse and has its own beauty and uniqueness. It is important to be accepting of these differences and respect all cultures.
Only when one appreciates the diversity, one is able to learn and grow. Today, the world has globalised greatly and that has led to an enormous exposure to many cultures. It is a great time to learn about them, respect them and also learn from them. We have been gifted with the opportunity to experience new things and be open to different perspectives.
However, one must be careful to not lose one’s own culture in the process of learning about a new one. A balance must be maintained and our culture must be preserved and not lost.
For many cultures is a way of life, it becomes their identity while there are also some that believe culture restricts their growth and deprives them of freedom and opportunities. In the end, one must learn to distinguish what is progressive and what is not. Those aspects of culture that are not progressive and are a violation of any kind must be amended and a safe and healthy society for all should be encouraged and built.
