Erosion of Values- An impediment to societal upliftment

Overview

Indian Ethos has traditionally been rich in culture and values. From ancient times the society has attempted to inculcate very rich values and high moral quotient amongst its people to spread the message of love, nobility and grandeur amongst its people. This tradition has continued in general. Historical literature is replete with anecdotes and volumes of the richness of the values that were imbibed with sustained effort amongst the members of an average family. The emphasis remained on the development of the moral quotient as a measure of the relative progress that a society made.

History also evidences the fact that the Indian culture, continues to remain rich, God fearing and generally adherent to the moral values. This has been the ethos associated with the upbringing of children.  The constant reminder from the elders as to what is good and perhaps, what is it that could and should be shunned, remains a lesson in perpetuity.

Values actually are a reflection of ourselves, our character and our upbringing. Most of the time these values remain intact, particularly till such time, as a child remains within the command and control of a family system. Parents, Gurus and siblings remain the best teachers as they inculcate in us the real tangible values. The Love and devotion towards the family, community, village or the Nation at large, essentially sprouts out of those words of wisdom and values which were so carefully nurtured, within the realms of the traditional core of the family system.

The point therefore is, why this article? Why this discourse on a subject which essentially is ingrained in the Indian psyche from early childhood? The answer to the question is perhaps a little illusive as times, periods, speed, competition, the hullabaloo, winds of change, external and internal influences and above all a transition seems to be taking place. Holding on to the values in the changing times is appearing to be far more difficult, than one would assume. Somewhere down the line the essence of life and being seems to have undergone a sea change!

Change is inevitable, it is the only constant. Change in form, shape, perception, vision, outlook, all of it seems to undergo some transformation as we go along. New learning is a continuous addition and all of it is bound to influence the thinking and the actions, that an individual undertakes in his or her life in a given situation. However, the issue is always whether the basic fundamentals around which a human being evolves, or more precisely the core, should this undergo a change as well? Well change for the better is another matter, but change to the contrary certainly could be a point of discussion!

Facets of Life span

In general the average human being undergoes a cycle, an expanse in which the sojourn from the beginning to the end can possibly be divided into certain distinct phases, which help him or her to evolve. Broadly these could be

a)    From childhood through adolescence to maturity

b)    A professional span, a play ground for ratifying and chiseling the learning of formative stages for real evolution of persona

c)    Old age and heading towards the final destination, a real test for validation of principles, learning and teachings

Each of these phases of life follows a certain distribution curve of attributes and values which germinate, evolve and consolidate to make the person what he or she really becomes, or projects to be. It is also true, that the circumstances both internal and external play an overbearing influence in the critical development of people. Each human being has his or her own perspective and view point, and all of them certainly are entitled to have one.

Opinions exist because of a variety in thoughts and approach. In general there is no unique way to commence and culminate a life journey. Several ways may lead to a common destination. Consequently, the quest for a unique way, a universal solution to start and finish a journey is illusory. However, certain ground rules or morals and values, if one may, seem to be the broad connotation of life principles, around which perhaps, mankind evolves, matures, lives and finally leaves behind a memory. It is this essence of life, which perhaps seems to be under question or at times at siege, it is this against which, we need to evolve a commonality of thought and a concerted counter plan.

As is commonly believed, all seems well, as long as the going is good, neither one is put to real test nor there is a conflict under which the moral upbringing is put to scrutiny for evolving a path forward. The real test is encountered when the going gets tough and nature begins to put one into various kinds of examination against enticement, ostentation, power struggle, materialism and one upmanship. The principles and moral principles in particular, are surely the ones which are subject to extenuating circumstances and situations. Those who emerge unscathed, notwithstanding the rigors, truly are the winners. They also are the testimony of a way of life that they would have practiced, through the various phases of their lives. Looking around ourselves, there is no dearth of such men and women who have withstood the passage of time and circumstances to set an example for others to emulate and follow.

From Childhood to Maturity – The formative stages

A child is the most magnificent and perhaps, the most innocent reflection of God himself. The child’s mind is free of clutter and is an open blank page. The family, customs, traditions, siblings and the parents and Teachers as the first institution begin to fill the blank pages. It is here that the real learning is imparted. Since children are innocent, what they pick up at this stage remains imprinted in their lives substantially, throughout their lifespan. In a way the reflection of these times can be felt throughout all the stages of development and more particularly, in the later stages of their lives. The cardinal truths and the values are actually made a part of one’s being at this stage. The children are introduced to the essence of life herein and are taught lessons to imbibe the following as life virtues:

• Truthfulness
• Universal goodness
• Kindness and sharing
• Honesty and Integrity
• Respecting the elders
• Loving all including animals
• Shunning violence
• The strength of prayer and Divine connect

These values are essentially the guiding principles which act as lessons, in encountering the ups and downs of life to guide and illuminate the way as lanterns of light and wisdom. They enlighten our minds and leave no doubt as to what path we should follow even when, life is challenged amidst extenuating circumstances to surmount the mountains of problems, anxiety and apparent difficulties.

In general, most of us would have been indoctrinated with these values in our life in our early childhood. Times out of number, the Institution at home and school, inculcate in children the essence of these values for conducting themselves in their future sojourns. It’s another matter that the times have changed. Paucity of time and the change of the family system perhaps, may have changed the ethos, but essentially these values are still ingrained in individuals one way or the other.

Over a period of time however, the family as an institution imparting these values has been weakened and the lessons have been diluted. Thus, the impact of these to play a tangible role in one’s life has significantly altered. This seems to have become a process rather than an essential need. What should have been the strongest source of imparting Value Education, has crumbled under the modern social pressures. This is perhaps the first point on which, we do not seem to be doing as well!

In general till about the lower school days, when even moral science is taught as a subject in schools, the strength of these values is more than evident in child behavior, interaction and mannerisms. The mind of the child is far too innocent and uncluttered, to perhaps think otherwise. The moral values taught at home are reinforced in schools by the teachers and guides.

Between senior school to college changes begin to influence the impressionable mind. Comparison, yours and mine, competition, and allurement of various kinds confront the young. Some of the youngsters get caught in the cesspool and have their attention and focus diverted, however, a large number of youngsters remain focused and perhaps dominated, by their moral quotients, to concentrate on career building and service their responsibilities. The moral education is ingrained in their subconscious and they remain effortlessly attached and aligned to their value system.

Actually, this is a very testing time for the young as this is the first time when the sense of responsibilities begins to weigh them down. Inherently, it builds a lot of self expectation on them to deliver well, as they are able to appreciate their family conditions and gain a sense of belongingness and responsibility. This is also the time when individuals develop the understanding of the real essence of love and devotion. Silently it steels them up. Their resolve and determination improves. In general, the children from the struggling families and the economically weaker sections are influenced more by these conditions. Invariably, they end up doing relatively better in academics and finally in college to make way for themselves in professional careers

All this while, the moral quotient in the young and aspiring, only compounds in content and conduct. As newer sense of commitment, duty and responsibility dawns upon them, their convictions gain strength. They become conscious of the fact, that life is a bit of cut throat competition and consequently, they need to always be on their toes. The adulthood now awaits them! This is new and unfamiliar territory!   

Professional Arena - The Karma Bhoomi

The hazards of professional life throw up new challenges. This is the real ground where all the work hitherto done on an individual is put to the scrutiny of practical situations. This is also for the first time where from group thinking to the individual decision making process, the distance has to be traversed. All of a sudden, one finds himself or herself alone in the battleground, to contend with people, situations and circumstances. All the preparations of the yester years are now open, for an open book examination.

Professional race is competitive and sometimes fiercely aggressive. The means and methods to find one’s ways are also varied and very different from a near straight path that one had encountered hitherto! Suddenly life begins to appear that much more challenging and full of complexities. The choices are plenty, the inducements are huge the opportunities too are galore. This is the time when the morals and values that one had so carefully nurtured or otherwise, in his or her life, are subjected to the first major test. Erosion or otherwise begins from here.  More so, if the foundation and the pillars on which the core rests, is not adequately strengthened. This is more evident when peer competition and rivalry turns serious and bitter and one wants to be ahead of the race, even at the cost of one’s values. Expediency certainly overrides ethics.

Early professional life matrix

Both the lists in the table may seem as an exaggeration of sorts. To be frank it is, for want of better expression, the tragedy is, that it is at this stage itself that the influence of positive or negative is strong. While the degree may vary, patterns on the above contours do begin to emerge.

This is the first real test of the values nurtured and inculcated from early childhood. Experience reveals that most of the young, notwithstanding the aberrations, still slither through by staying on the better side of morality. The value system ingrained in the relatively young minds is still strong and is not willing to concede to the negative. The goodness and truth, by and large, dominates the conscious and the system.

The fact however, is that the experience of the negative side of life jolts the value system of the young for the first time as they enter the cut throat competitive professional world. It is here, that the role of the supervisor and the system has to be such, as to ensure that the negative is nipped in the bud and not encouraged at all.

Role of the supervisor

The supervisor is supposed to be the custodian of truth and virtue. Apart from the fact, that he has to be responsible for the professional development of the team members, he has to generate subtle, fair and clear feedback for the people assigned to him, identifying the potentially bright, while reinforcing their strengths and areas of improvement. The ones requiring some help need to be encouraged as well to put up a better show. The subtle question is how many of us do this? Or do we actually engage in a clear and a fair assessment?

Huge discretions and personal likes and dislikes often dominate the delivery potential of the candidates. Often therefore, the virtuous and positive are credited and bracketed together with the others including the mediocre. By and large in the first 10 years in the companies, the promotions are automatic and time bound and hence, the distinction between the outstanding performers and the average ones, does not come out clearly. The signs of frustrations are sown for the first time as a reaction to a seemingly ill conceived and over generous system. The genuine ponder and often revolt internally.

A feeling that out of the world work anyway is going to be moderated, or will not really be credited begins to undermine certain values, that had been nurtured all along. Somehow a major part of the moral quotient is eroded and the thought that shortcuts, chalta hai attitude, sycophancy, and other means and methods, which can relatively easily lead one to success, begin to take root in the mind.  Quality and excellence of performance takes a back seat, as the supervisor by favoring or balancing with the mediocre, buttresses the position, that other considerations have the potential to prevail in the success equation.

Sadly, the process of erosion of nourished morals and values begins to germinate in the mind. Work is worship and the centrality to progress, begins to appear not all that true perhaps! This is more of a system failure, rather than an individual weakness. The system and the supervisor’s role and moral quotient itself requires a change!

Middle Management positions

The days of parity and treating all with equity are over now, and the individual rat race commences. Those who are conscientious and are committed to remain so, remain busy trying to fulfill the commitments and the targets set by the leadership. They are basically committed knowledge seekers as well, governed by a sense of a very high value quotient. They believe that it is a matter of their moral obligation to ensure that the team in which they are working remains ahead of times. They are certainly guided by nobility and the essence of goodness, principles and loyalty.

The other variety however is smarter. They do only as much as is required.  They are aware that the supremely hard working people anyway will deliver towards their shortcomings, if any. They additionally concentrate on personality, connect, sycophancy and the many other measures, which can help them win the hearts of their supervisors. Nothing wrong with the extracurricular activities, but if these tendencies somehow outweigh the contributions of the more conscientious in terms of recognition, reclassification or reward and promotion, hell is bound to break loose. Practical experience suggests that this is not uncommon and does happen with unfailing regularity. Sad but true!

These events pull down many a noble citadel cultivated so carefully over long periods of time in individual’s mind. The values, principles, positives, all seem to go asunder. Many a reader may agree to disagree with this, but it is very difficult to hold on to your nerve, when seemingly a lot of injustice is done to an individual, both in terms of recognition of his worth, or giving his due to others at the expense of the deserving. Such events are cataclysmic and heart rending. They certainly induce a lot of acrimony, resentment and bitterness in the minds of individuals. The principles and ideals that were nurtured over a period of time suddenly become open to question. Serious crevices begin to get visible in the process. A huge erosion of some of the basic tenets takes place.

It is not to say that all begin to question themselves and their values at the turn of unfavorable events, but those who remain untouched with these events are far and few. Yes they are rare. A large section of individuals yield to this system as they are practical and do not wish to end up as losers. But whatever it is, the Society and Nation loose as the general character of the individuals declines for worldly gains! Somehow, the organizational systems serve as a sieve to screen out the conscientious souls. They are unhappy with the setbacks but are confident enough to bring about a turnaround. They do! But the fact remains, they are loners and far and few. Segregation of the masses and the values has taken place. This is a huge setback to the morality quotient, unfortunately for want of a proper system!  

Arguments, that those who are smarter, always have an edge is a cliché. The sages, the elderly and the more matured often offer arguments that strange are the ways of Nature that the upright and straightforward always have to go through a more arduous path. The argument remains that those by the side of virtue are tested more rigorously by the Lord! Well may be, but certainly this argument seems facetious in the practical world and cuts limited ice!

Leadership

The arguments built hitherto, do paint a picture of the system being slightly porous, where considerations other than work alone, can lead one to progress in the conventional sense of the word. That is not to suggest one wee bit, that those who remain what they are and always by the side of the morals, do not scale heights. The point was essentially to drive a point home with respect to the fairness associated with the system in enabling the rise of the people in organizations and the dominance of the values and cultural ethos in our working systems, or otherwise.

The upright have their own way of scaling heights and irrespective of the oppressive nature of the systems eventually, the righteous invariably do succeed. In fact, they remain ascendant in conventional success and in their value quotient as well. The point is, they are always in esteemed company of the ones who have utilized the other means to scale heights, with equal or nearly the same pedigree of success. Consequently the tangibility of the moral coefficient in real practical life remains under constant debate and discussion!

The arguments cuts both ways and it could be one over the other. In real terms however, though there should be a distinction, but tragically it does not exist and therefore this discourse!

Top management or leadership positions are always very coveted ones. Apparently very strong and transparent processes are in place, which leads to the selection of the Directors and the Chairmen, Executive Directors and General Managers. The latter two are actually selected through an inhouse selection process by the company Management itself, whereas the top positions are selected through an external panel in the PSUs, in particular. In the private sector, the Owner and the functional Board may have a reasonable say towards the appointment of the top management leadership.

While the subject of leadership and quality of personnel thereof, along with their attributes, is a subject of another debate, values and unscathed and untarnished virtues and their significance is the subject of debate herein!

The race towards the top Management shrinks in terms of numbers. Positions starting from the post of a General Manager onwards are always a true test of almost all the qualities viz; Knowledge, personality, effectiveness, experience and above all, the value quotient.

It is observed that when the race gets tough, people tend to use various means and connects to try and have the decisions influenced in a particular direction. To attain a role and position, it is not uncommon to see people using all kinds of pressures to service their gains. Sometimes, it seems that the values evolved over a period of time, are completely consigned to oblivion as personal interests and gains take over.

In the material world a constant redefinition of self and values has taken place. What till the other day was considered unholy and a near sin, is actually accepted as routine. All this does indicate, a sure and precipitous decline of values, which are so carefully nurtured in the formative stages of individuals in general and remains one of the most proud talking point for the Indians!

The Final phase, Revelation of True Characters– Post Superannuation

Irrespective of the position, a strange phenomenon is observed when an individual completes his or her professional journey and moves into the final phase of life. In general, an average span of about 37-38 years of professional life in a single or multiple organizations would take place for a professional who makes to professional life after completing college in India. It is expected that with such a long professional career span, acquaintances, companionships, friends and proximities related to the professional career would develop. It is also natural that some of these would also blossom into close contact with a reasonable level of understanding and connect. 

Experience reveals, that all that was very powerful and meaningful and well understood till the other day, all of a sudden seems to undergo a sea change. Associations falter and basic connect seems to get diffused. Strangely and sadly, all the good works for which, all were a part as a team seems to be looked upon with a jaundiced eye. Invariably, efforts are made to attempt to justify one’s own inadequacies, behind the acts of our predecessors. This speaks poorly of one’s own sense of judgment, inability to mantle leadership and certainly, a gross failure to take the baton forward.

Weak human beings tend to live for the moment. Most of them are neither visionaries nor progressive. Challenges are only taken head-on by the ones, who selflessly and purposefully, secure the future of others, even at one’s own expense. This is essentially the continuity of the moral values for which, they live and practice throughout their lives. Any failure to do so, by attempting to malign others for one’s own trivial and perceived gains, is only reflective of the poverty of values, wisdom and foresight, and surely massive erosion of values.  This is certainly what, fails the Societies, Companies, Nation and its people at large!

Most of it can be understood, as it is in the very nature of things that continuity has to be maintained, and the past has to be given up and the present in prospect of the future, has to be embraced. Good, correct and understood! But then the way we disconnect with our mentors and guiding lights often poses a moral problem. While continuity and embracing the new has to be the process of life, the fact, that we begin to indulge in disrespecting the past is a serious societal concern. Look at the sprawling old age homes. Somewhere that too seems to be a fallout of a steep degradation of morality. The fact is, it is a very poor reflection of what we seem to have done with our values. We need to go back to the school days, to the Gurukuls, somewhere there is a distinct need to revisit our present!

Social Ethos Collapse of the Traditional family

Times have changed and speed has taken over. The typical traditional family has given way to satellite set ups wherein, the definition of the family itself seems to be changing. The grandparents hardly stay with their children, both husband and wife have to work to make the ends meet and much as one would not desire, the children are brought up by maids, in creches etc. It is natural that the value system of the children of the modern day is vastly different from yester years. We may deny or agree, but the moral ethos cultivated by the elders in the family, through traditional ways of ingraining values in children, is amiss! 

The modern day child is immensely influenced by what he witnesses and learns. They are predominantly focused on materialism and growth, which is linked more with external status. The core is somewhat eroded. Where are the stories of the deep culture of the country that used to be so meticulously narrated to the children to emulate. Since the minds were innocent so was the grasp. After all, impressionable minds will pick up quickly what they see or is taught to them. The inspiring stories and the lessons to be learnt from our epics, have somewhat faded into history. Time and other priorities have simply taken over. The erosion begins here!

Why should such erosion take place? It seems so new!

The above story and debate would be somewhat incomplete unless we introspect on the reasons which may be prompting such behavior. On professional competition and race to the top, the points have been elaborated somewhat. But essentially there is something more fundamental that leads people to indulge in such behavior.

Well to start with, the failure of the traditional family system to hold on to the core has changed many a thing. The child and his or her upbringing methods have changed. The essence of life, which was so meticulously ingrained in the hearts and the minds of the innocent child in the earlier times, is somewhat amiss. The values, behavior, character building has simply taken a back seat or seems to have become a part of the perceived superficial ritual. The need for the value quotient to be the most essential and cardinal part of a human being’s basic development ingredient, is gradually receding into the background. This has all round ramifications as individuals together are a representation and reflection of a National Character! This must be turned around!

The education System

The erosion of the family system, has been coupled with the erosion that that has taken place in the schools and the education system. The buildings have become bigger, the apparent facilities seem to have grown, but somehow the traditional value is lost. Education today is commercial and more business oriented. The old Gurukuls lacked perhaps the modern day amenities, but they were rich in culture and tradition.

The student or the Shishya was devoted to the Guru. The Guru was practically responsible in not only imparting education, but to mould the character of the student. It was deemed by the Guru as his responsibility to ensure that the shishya emerged as his reflection or even better. No wonder, we do not witness the Vivekananda’s and the Yogananad’s today! Everything seems commercial and business like, the result, a huge erosion of self and values. What we see in our professional life and the callousness with which we deal with issues, is a clear reflection of where we have come from and where exactly we are heading. Life is somewhat caught between a strange jinx of apparent modernity and the traditional core!

 Erosion of Character and Core

With the apparent negatives creeping in the system the value system is bound to take a back seat. The traditional story of how a defense personnel is treated in the airport by a civilian is a reflection of a value, the inherent core. Does it exist in us! May be yes! Do we see a reflection of that? Perhaps not!

The Strength of the values is what makes us natural, kind, giving and relating with the pain of the others. We tend to work together only as a team inspite of our shortcomings. Look at the way the Defense personnel set an example by sharing a common plate of food, a common mug of water. The submergence of the differences of religion, caste, creed, background, yours and mine simply submerge into the inevitable WE. From a distance it seems our Forces are the only ones which set up an example, a model of virtue, a strength of character. This has to be the core behind the strength of our command and forces. Again there are lessons. The forces live as a family, and the family has a core. This brings unity in diversity, evolves the character and provides the strength to win!

Why can’t this become a part of our society? Yes it can. A revival of sorts has to happen. We need to win over ourselves, revisit our priorities. While it is certainly essential to move ahead and excel, it is certainly not necessary to give up our core. We can do so, as was amply demonstrated in the past and is so eloquently being demonstrated by our forces.

Let the core of our being return to our values. Let bitterness, hatred, malice, envy and jealousy be marginalized, through proactive thought and preemptive action. Let us find a meaning for ourselves!

Let us revisit the values of our life to reexamine the strength of truth and honesty and devotion. Let the purpose of our being be our mission. Let us shun the negative and restore our real selves. Let us rise and awake to the reality and stem the tide of this erosion! The erosion of our core, our values, our being!