Tag: family

When Service Becomes Prayer: Lessons from Mahant Swami Maharaj

by Shreyas Trivedi

At a time when life often encourages people to slow down, step back, and withdraw from responsibility, Mahant Swami Maharaj, at the age of 92, quietly demonstrates a different way of living—one rooted in discipline, devotion, humility, and selfless service. He is the current spiritual head of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), a global spiritual organization guiding millions of devotees worldwide. Despite carrying such a vast responsibility, his personal life remains remarkably simple and deeply spiritual.

Every day of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life begins at 4 a.m. His mornings start with pooja and spiritual contemplation, performed with consistency and reverence. This routine is not driven by obligation but by inner discipline. Age has not weakened his practice; rather, it has strengthened his commitment, reminding us that spirituality is not an occasional act but a lifelong way of living.

A significant part of his day, nearly five hours, is dedicated to reading and writing letters to devotees. These letters are personal and thoughtful, offering reassurance, guidance, and strength to people facing struggles in their lives. In a fast-moving world where communication is often hurried and impersonal, his choice to connect deeply with individuals reflects profound compassion and patience.

Despite his advanced age, Mahant Swami Maharaj continues to meet devotees daily, listening attentively to their problems, concerns, and questions. He listens without interruption and without haste, giving each person his full presence. This quiet act of listening itself becomes a spiritual practice, offering comfort and clarity to those who seek his guidance.

He also spends long hours sitting through spiritual assemblies, sharing wisdom with simplicity and calm. There is no urgency in his words, no desire to impress, only clarity and truth. Often, his presence alone becomes a lesson, teaching through silence as much as through speech.

Even at 92, Mahant Swami Maharaj continues vicharan, travelling across India and around the world to spread messages of peace, spirituality, and values. Long journeys, changing time zones, and physical strain do not deter him. His travel is not driven by ambition, but by a sense of responsibility toward humanity and spiritual upliftment.

Yet, when asked about his efforts and tireless service, his response remains profoundly humble: “I am doing nothing. It is God who is doing everything.” In a life filled with visible dedication and effort, he claims no credit. This complete surrender reflects the highest form of spiritual strength.

Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life teaches us that resilience is born from faith and discipline, that true leadership is rooted in service, and that age is never a barrier when purpose is clear. His spirituality does not distance him from people; instead, it draws him closer to their joys and struggles.

At 92, he does not seek recognition or rest. He simply shows up every day, with devotion, humility, and love. Silently reminding the world that the greatest impact is made not by claiming ownership, but by becoming an instrument in the hands of the divine.

How Strong Family Bonding and Care Shape a Better Society and Drive Long-Term Growth

by Shreyas Trivedi

In my work across sustainability, social development, and community engagement—and through my journey as an author—I have repeatedly observed one simple but powerful truth: strong societies are built on strong families. Yet in our pursuit of economic growth, professional success, and technological progress, family bonding and caregiving are often treated as secondary or “soft” concerns. In reality, they form the hardest and most essential foundation of social stability, emotional health, and long-term societal growth.

Before an individual becomes a professional, a leader, or an active citizen, they first become a family member. Families are the first institutions where we learn trust, communication, emotional expression, conflict resolution, and care for others. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, clearly shows that strong relationships—particularly within families—are the most consistent predictor of long-term well-being and life satisfaction, even more than income, status, or professional success. This insight reminds us that emotional foundations laid at home quietly shape how people engage with the world.

Emotional security within families directly translates into resilience in society. The World Health Organization reports that nearly one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition, and India is witnessing a sharp rise in stress, anxiety, and loneliness, especially among youth and the elderly. Research consistently indicates that individuals who grow up with emotional safety, active listening, and dependable support are better equipped to handle failure, make balanced decisions, and form healthy relationships. Emotionally secure homes, therefore, do not just raise happier individuals; they create emotionally intelligent societies.

Caregiving within families—whether for children, elders, or vulnerable members—is one of the most undervalued contributors to social growth. UNICEF highlights that children raised in caregiving environments develop higher empathy, better social behaviour, and stronger moral reasoning. In the Indian context, families that actively care for elders often pass on values of patience, respect, and responsibility through daily lived experience rather than formal teaching. Through my own observations and interactions on the ground, I have seen how caregiving families nurture individuals who later emerge as ethical leaders, compassionate professionals, and responsible citizens.

Strong family bonding also plays a critical role in maintaining social stability. Sociological studies across countries show that communities with cohesive family structures experience lower crime rates, reduced violence, and higher levels of trust and cooperation. The OECD has further noted that robust social support systems, beginning with families, significantly reduce long-term public expenditure on healthcare, rehabilitation, and welfare. This clearly positions family bonding not only as a moral or cultural value, but as a strategic social investment.

The link between family stability and economic growth is equally important, though often overlooked. Studies indicate that individuals with strong family support systems demonstrate higher workplace engagement, lower burnout, and better decision-making abilities. Stable family environments reduce healthcare costs, workplace absenteeism, and long-term dependency on social systems. Far from slowing progress, strong families enable sustainable economic growth by producing emotionally balanced and resilient contributors to the workforce.

India today stands at a critical social transition point. The decline of joint families, increasing urban migration, weakening intergenerational bonds, rising elder loneliness, and growing parenting stress are becoming visible across urban and semi-urban landscapes. While modernization and mobility are essential for progress, the erosion of family bonding comes with hidden costs that surface later as mental health challenges, social alienation, and fragmented communities. The challenge before us is not to choose between tradition and progress, but to consciously integrate care, connection, and bonding into modern lifestyles.

Sociologists describe this invisible glue that holds societies together as social capital—trust, shared values, and cooperation. Families are the first creators of this social capital. When families function well, communities become more resilient, institutions become more humane, and growth becomes inclusive and sustainable. When families weaken, society pays the price emotionally, socially, and economically.

As someone deeply engaged in sustainability and social impact work, I believe it is time to rethink what we truly mean by growth and development. Progress should not be measured only in GDP figures or infrastructure milestones, but also in mental well-being, quality of relationships, empathy in leadership, and care for the vulnerable. If we want a better future, we must invest as intentionally in strengthening families and caregiving cultures as we do in technology, policy, and economic systems.

Through my writing and social work, I have learned that values taught quietly at home often shape the world far more powerfully than lessons taught loudly outside. Strong families do not merely raise successful individuals; they raise good human beings. And societies led by good human beings do not just grow—they flourish.

When Love Turns Into Laziness: The Hidden Cost of Modern Parenting

by Shreyas Trivedi

We live in an era where many parents proudly say, “My child knows how to use a smartphone better than me.”
But beneath that pride lies a silent concern — are we giving them access or addiction?

In the race to keep children engaged, entertained, or “tech-savvy,” many parents have unknowingly traded genuine connection for digital convenience. We’ve built a generation that gets everything easily — but values nothing deeply.

The Growing Dependence on Screens

According to a 2024 Common Sense Media report, children aged 8 to 12 spend nearly 5 hours daily on screens, while teenagers average 8 hours or more, excluding schoolwork.
In India, a LocalCircles survey found that 78% of parents regret giving smartphones too early, citing screen addiction, lack of discipline, and social withdrawal as the biggest consequences.

We’re raising children who can swipe before they can write — and that’s not progress, it’s a warning.

The Instagram & Anime Effect: Copying What They See

Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and anime content have become the new “teachers” of behavior for young minds.
These short bursts of visual content — fast, flashy, and addictive — are shaping how kids talk, dress, think, and even behave.

Many children mimic dialogues, expressions, and mannerisms they see in anime characters or influencers. While creativity and imagination are valuable, the issue arises when they start confusing imitation with identity.

They learn that being loud equals confidence, disrespect equals independence, and popularity equals success.
It’s a dangerous illusion — one that replaces emotional intelligence with performative behavior.

A study by Pew Research Center (2023) revealed that nearly 60% of teens admit to feeling pressure to look “cool” online, and 1 in 3 feel anxious if their content doesn’t get enough likes or views.

This is not entertainment, it’s mental conditioning.
And our children are absorbing it silently.

When Boundaries Disappear

In many homes today, respect for the elderly often feels like an outdated idea.
Children no longer hesitate to argue, raise their voice, or roll their eyes when corrected. They want to stay in their rooms, isolated with their screens, and view any parental involvement as interference.

The word “boundaries” has turned into “restrictions.”
And the concept of family discipline has been replaced by “personal space.”

But true growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through conversations, disagreements, and learning to respect differing opinions, something no screen can teach.

Comfort Without Character

As parents and elders, we often believe we’re giving our children a “better life” by providing everything they ask for. But in reality, we might be giving them too much comfort and too little challenge.

When every desire is met instantly, new gadgets, clothes, or entertainment, children stop valuing patience, effort, and gratitude.
They start expecting life to be as easy as swiping a screen.

But life doesn’t work like that.
And when it doesn’t, they feel lost, angry, and unprepared.

Parenting Is Not About Convenience — It’s About Character

Good parenting isn’t about keeping children happy all the time.
It’s about preparing them for real life, where not every “yes” is instant, and not every “no” is unfair.

  • Say no when necessary.
  • Set time limits for screens.
  • Encourage family meals, outdoor play, and storytelling.
  • Teach gratitude and respect by example.

Children learn far more from what they see than what they’re told.
If we spend our evenings scrolling, we silently tell them that digital life matters more than real life.

A Wake-Up Call for Modern Parents

Let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves:

  • Do our children know how to wait?
  • Do they respect elders without being reminded?
  • Do they spend more time with people or with screens?

If the answers worry you, it’s time to act.

Because one day, these same children will grow up, and they won’t remember the expensive gadgets we gave them.
They’ll remember whether we were present, whether we listened, and whether we taught them what truly matters.

Let’s Bring Back the Real World

In trying to make our children’s lives easy, we’ve accidentally made their hearts empty.
They have everything, except the ability to value it.

It’s time we bring back conversations, boundaries, and respect.
It’s time we teach them to strike a balance between technology and humanity.
Because the future doesn’t depend on the apps they use, it depends on the values we instill today.

The Untold Weight of a Bride and Groom

by Shreyas Trivedi

Weddings are often seen as the happiest celebrations of life. They are filled with music, laughter, family gatherings, rituals, and traditions that bind two people together. On the outside, everything looks beautiful—the glowing bride, the confident groom, the decorated halls, and the cheerful guests.

But over the years, as I’ve watched and observed weddings closely, I’ve realized something deeper. Behind the glitter and joy, silent battles are being fought—by both the bride and the groom. Battles that most people don’t talk about, but ones that leave a lasting mark on their hearts.

The Groom’s Silent Burden

For a middle-class groom, marriage is not just about companionship or love—it is also about responsibility. And with responsibility comes pressure.

Most of the grooms I’ve seen carry financial worries as their biggest weight. The home loan EMI, car loan, or student loan doesn’t pause just because there’s a wedding. If anything, the wedding adds another mountain of expenses. Even while he smiles at the shop counter or bargains with the decorator, his mind is silently doing calculations:

  • How much will I have left after the wedding expenses?
  • Will I still be able to pay the EMIs on time?
  • How do I balance my parents’ medical bills with this new chapter of life?

Along with money comes career anxiety. For many men, their job feels like the foundation of everything—yet it’s also one of the most uncertain things today. I’ve seen grooms lose sleep over the thought: “What if I lose my job after marriage? What if I can’t give my wife the life she deserves?”

And then there’s the emotional burden of being the son. In many cases, parents are aging, dealing with health issues, or relying completely on their son for support. While he prepares for rituals, part of his heart is still worried about his father’s next check-up or his mother’s blood pressure. This quiet conflict—between wanting to celebrate his wedding and needing to care for his parents—is something that weighs heavily on him.

Yet, very few people ask the groom how he feels. His nervousness is rarely acknowledged because society has already written his script: He is strong. He is capable. He is sorted. His fears, his sleepless nights, and his anxieties remain invisible to most.

The Bride’s Silent Struggle

On the other side, the bride carries a very different kind of burden. While the groom worries about finances and responsibilities, the bride prepares for one of the biggest emotional shifts of her life.

She is expected to leave behind the comfort of her parents’ home—the place where she grew up, where her small joys and memories are rooted. She walks out of a world where she is someone’s daughter and steps into another where she becomes someone’s wife, daughter-in-law, and eventually, perhaps, a mother.

This transition, though beautiful, comes with silent fears:

  • Will I be accepted in my new family?
  • Will I be able to balance my career with household responsibilities?
  • Will I find the same comfort in a new home as I did in the one I’m leaving behind?

Even in today’s modern world, brides often face unspoken judgments—about how they dress, how they cook, how they manage relationships, or even how they balance work and family. For many, the anxiety of “fitting in” is as heavy as the jewelry they wear on their wedding day.

She too puts on a smile, dances with her friends, poses for photographs—but deep down, she is silently grieving the life she is about to leave behind, while nervously preparing for the life she is about to enter.

Two Different Journeys, One Shared Weight

When I look at weddings, I don’t just see the rituals and the glamour anymore. I see two individuals standing at the crossroads of life, each carrying invisible weights.

  • The groom shoulders the pressure of providing, protecting, and being responsible.
  • The bride shoulders the pressure of leaving, adapting, and being accepted.

Their struggles are different, yet equally heavy. Both of them walk into marriage with excitement, but also with fear—fear of the unknown, fear of expectations, fear of failing in roles that society has already assigned to them.

What I’ve Learned Over the Years

Watching these stories unfold has taught me something valuable: Marriage is not just a celebration—it’s a leap of courage.

It is courage for the groom, who learns to balance EMIs, family responsibilities, and new commitments without letting his fears show.
It is courage for the bride, who leaves behind her world and steps into a new one, hoping to be embraced with love and understanding.

But the most beautiful thing I’ve noticed is this—when both stand together, the weight becomes lighter. When the groom shares his financial worries and the bride shares her emotional fears, and they both decide to face it side by side, marriage becomes what it is meant to be: a partnership.

It’s not about one carrying more than the other. It’s about sharing the load, lifting each other on the tough days, and reminding each other that they don’t have to do it alone.

A Gentle Reminder

The next time you attend a wedding and see a glowing bride or a confident groom on stage, pause for a moment. Behind the laughter, the music, and the rituals, there are two human beings—nervous, hopeful, anxious, and brave—all at once.

They don’t just deserve blessings for a happy married life; they also deserve compassion, understanding, and patience as they step into this journey.

Because in the end, marriage is not about the weight one carries—it’s about the weight two people learn to carry together.

The Irreplaceable Role of Grandparents in a Child’s Life

by Shreyas Trivedi

In today’s busy world, where both parents often balance demanding jobs and household responsibilities, grandparents have become an essential part of many families. For some, their role may seem limited to managing children during vacations, after school hours, or when parents are unavailable. However, the true value of grandparents in a child’s life goes far beyond mere childcare. They are mentors, moral guides, emotional anchors, and living connections to a rich past — shaping children not just for today, but for the future.

One of the most powerful things grandparents offer is a direct link to family history and cultural traditions. Through their stories of childhood, their struggles, and the way life once was, they pass on important values and a sense of identity. Children begin to understand where they come from, who they are, and what kind of values their family stands for. This sense of belonging gives children the confidence and security to face the world.

Grandparents are often the best teachers of good manners and ethics. Simple values like saying “please” and “thank you,” respecting elders, sharing with others, and showing kindness are naturally taught by grandparents in their day-to-day interactions. Their patient, loving approach helps children absorb these values not through lectures, but through experience. Watching grandparents treat others with respect and humility leaves a deep impression that shapes how children behave, even when no one is watching.

In addition to manners, grandparents help build emotional strength and resilience in children. Their love is often unconditional, and they offer comfort and support that children may hesitate to seek elsewhere. When a child faces challenges — whether it’s a bad grade, a fight with a friend, or personal fears — grandparents are there to listen, guide, and support with calm wisdom. Having gone through many of life’s ups and downs themselves, they teach children how to handle disappointment, how to be grateful, and how to find joy in simple things.

In an age dominated by materialism, where children are often influenced by gadgets, fashion, and social media, grandparents bring a much-needed perspective of simplicity. Having lived through times of scarcity, they show children how to value what they have, avoid waste, and live with contentment. These lessons in humility and gratitude are subtle but powerful — helping children grow into kind, grounded adults.

Moreover, when grandparents are actively involved in a child’s life, the entire family bond becomes stronger. Children learn by example, and seeing their parents care for and respect their own parents fosters a culture of love, responsibility, and mutual support within the family. Simple activities like celebrating festivals together, cooking traditional meals, or listening to family stories become cherished moments that bring everyone closer.

It is important to understand that grandparents are not just babysitters or caretakers. They are role models and moral guides who shape a child’s personality in ways that schools and books cannot. They teach life skills that last forever — patience, empathy, resilience, and respect. They help raise not just children, but better human beings.

Involving grandparents in your child’s life is a gift that shapes the future. Their presence not only brings comfort and care but helps instill values and emotional strength that prepare children to face life’s challenges. Let us value and honor the role of grandparents — for in nurturing our children, they help nurture a better tomorrow.

Image courtesy: www.everypixel.com

Let’s Celebrate Our Loved Ones While They’re Still With Us.

by Shreyas Trivedi

In every family, workplace, and group of friends, there’s always someone who silently carries the weight of others—offering help, support, and strength without expecting much in return. These are the people we often take for granted while they are alive. We remember how many times we asked them for help, but we rarely ask them how they are doing. We don’t inquire about their struggles, their dreams, or their pain. They keep everything bottled up, not because they don’t want to share, but because no one ever asks. We see their strength and assume they don’t need support. But strength doesn’t mean they’re not hurting. Silence doesn’t always mean peace. And smiles don’t always reflect happiness.

Then one day, they are gone. And suddenly, we find words we never shared with them. At their funeral, we hear people say things like, “He was such a kind soul,” or “She never said no to anyone.” We speak of their sacrifices, their goodness, their ability to always show up. But the truth is, these words come too late. The person who most deserved to hear them is no longer there to listen. Why do we do this? Why do we express love, gratitude, and admiration only after someone dies?

Just a few months ago, I lost one of my uncles. A few days ago, it was his birthday. In our family WhatsApp group, everyone was sending messages—“Happy birthday, we miss you,” “Gone too soon,” “You’ll always be in our hearts.” And I sat there quietly, remembering how we never wished him on his birthday when he was alive. I never called him just to say “Happy birthday” or “How are you?” I was always busy. There was always something more ‘urgent’ than a two-minute call. And now, that regret has carved a permanent space in my heart. That feeling—that I could have done something so small, so simple, yet so meaningful—will stay with me forever.

The world we live in moves fast. We’re busy chasing deadlines, goals, and daily tasks. And in the middle of it all, we forget to see people as they are—not just for what they do for us, but for who they are. We assume the strong don’t need support. We believe that silence means someone is fine. And we wait for special occasions—weddings, birthdays, funerals—to express emotions that should be shared every now and then.

As someone who believes deeply in family values, I feel this is where we need to pause and reflect. The real essence of family lies in presence—not just being physically around, but being emotionally available. Take a moment to ask your parents how their day was, not just how your day went. Sit with your grandparents, even if they don’t talk much. Ask your sibling if they’re truly okay—not just if work is going well. Thank that cousin or friend who always shows up, without expecting recognition.

Let’s change this culture of delayed appreciation. Let’s not wait to post emotional tributes after someone is gone. Let’s write those messages today. Let’s say, “I love you,” “I respect you,” or “You inspire me,” while they’re still here to hear it. Let’s give people the joy of being seen, valued, and understood—while they are still alive.

Kindness isn’t just about helping others. It’s about noticing them. It’s about making people feel they matter—not just for what they do, but for who they are. If you’re reading this today, maybe it’s time to make that phone call—not to ask for a favor, but just to say, “I see you. I appreciate you. Tell me your story.”