Mindful Ties: Raksha Bandhan Reimagined!

A long weekend ahead, overlapping festivities of Independence Day and

Raksha Bandhan, and the bright sunny days following a heartening monsoon.

Aren’t these reasons enough to trigger frenzies of various kinds; travel, photography and selfies?!

Without a doubt!

Beyond the thrill of travel and the joy of capturing memories with selfies, this period gives us an opportunity to delve into the heart of these celebrations.

It is the perfect time to embrace a different kind of frenzy—a ‘discussion frenzy mode.’

This is a moment to reflect profoundly on the true essence of these celebrations and explore how they resonate with both our personal lives and our collective experiences.

(By ‘collective,’ I mean our community and society at large).

As we enjoy the celebrations of Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, let us take a few moments to reflect on what independence and protection mean to us personally and to those around us.

These conversations will enable us to connect the dots between these celebrations and our collective responsibility to address and improve the situation.

The situation in context is the ever-progressive graph of failed women safety incidents in the country. Despite celebrating freedom and protection, the reality is that we are still seeing troubling incidents of violence and unsafe conditions for women.

It is a real paradox; we talk about a progressive future, but the ongoing safety issues show just how far we still have to go. This sharp contrast between our hopes for progress and the harsh reality we face is something we need to reflect upon and work towards changing.

Reflecting on this paradox can deepen our understanding and commitment to bridging this gap.

Let us start with small conversations at home, with adults and with children too.

Yes, do not hesitate to discuss these important topics with your children.

Because, shying away from open discussions only widens the gap between our ideals and the reality !

Open conversations about respect, safety and equality are the need of the hour.

By talking openly with your children, you set the stage for understanding their thoughts, mapping their current state of mind and shaping them up positively. It is through these discussions that we can start to tackle bigger issues and make a real difference.

Wondering how to spark meaningful conversations with your children?

Here’s how you can start;

• Choose the Right Moment: Find a calm and private time when you both are relaxed and can have an open conversation. Raksha Bandhan can be a perfect moment, as it is an occasion focused on protection and care.
  
• Reflect on independence: Start by discussing what Independence Day means. Explain how it symbolizes freedom and the ability to make choices. Emphasize how freedom of choice and respect are foundational to a free society.
  
• Transition to protection: Link these concepts to Raksha Bandhan by explaining that while Independence represents freedom, protection is essential to ensure that freedom is respected and preserved. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the protection and support siblings offer each other, reinforcing the idea that a secure environment allows everyone to fully enjoy their independence.
  
• Emphasize respect and equality: Teach children that everyone deserves respect and that they should always treat others with kindness. Discuss how it is not just about their siblings but friends and beyond.
  
• Discuss practical choices: Encourage children to think about the choices they make in their own lives. Discuss how choosing to act respectfully, offer support, and protect others aligns with the values of independence and responsibility. For example, choosing to stand up for someone else in an unsafe situation.
  
• Celebrate the values together: Use Raksha Bandhan as a moment to celebrate not only the bond between siblings but also the broader values of respect and safety that underpin both personal and national freedom.

Naturally, the discussion needs to be tailored to the child’s age and understanding. For younger children, focus on basic concepts like personal space and respect. For older children, you can discuss more specific safety strategies and respectful behavior.

Raksha Bandhan reminds us of the important role women have always played in our society. By talking about it this way, you can help children see how freedom and protection are connected and why both are so important for them and for everyone in the society.

So this Raksha Bandhan, tie the sacred thread, share your stories, and spark meaningful conversations

• By Ruchi Adlakha