Editorial May 2012

May 2012

Dear Readers,

In this issue of Desh-Videsh, we are proud to present a collection of articles on family life. As you know a happy, healthy family life doesn’t just happen, and you’re not just born with it. Like any great relationship, it requires effort. A happy, healthy family is more likely to succeed if everyone is on-board playing the same game by the same rules. As you know when I talk about family, family values and family education, I can get very emotional as this subject is very dear and near to my heart.

In one article, the author explores a very difficult subject – raising our children so they grow up and marry into the culture and religion we grew up with. I know some of you may argue that it is not important that my child marry from my religion, my culture, my country. And you may be right. But I know lot of parents, including myself, strongly believe that my son/daughter should marry another Indian, Hindu, Guajarati and opposite sex partner.

I may be old fashioned and I may not be politically correct, but that is how I feel. I welcome your views and your comments on this subject.

Anyway let me move forward because with topics like this, I could go on and on.

Coincidentally, in the same month that we discuss family issues, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. Many things have been said, written and preached on Mother. But it is never enough. In this issue, we present readers with a few quotations from Hindu scriptures on mothers and women. We also have included some quotations by great leaders of India like Gandhiji and Dr. Radhakrsihanan.

Finally, we discuss an unpleasant topic, divorce. It is not only unpleasant for everyone involved, but also unfortunate. Presented as two parts, the first article discusses guidance and counseling before you even take that drastic step. The second explores mediation as a divorce procedure. Obviously, it is always better if you and your spouse do not have to go through this, but if you must, then take proper guidance and counseling, so the divorce does not unduly impact family members, particularly children.

Let me close this column with a quote by Desmond Tutu, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

Raj Shah
Managing Editor
Desh-Videsh