Necessity of Cultural and Moral Values in Contemporary Society

“ There are values that transcend race or culture, that move us forward, and there’s an obligation for all of us individually as well as collectively to take responsibility to make those values lived. ”

                                                                                  - Barack Obama

Cultural and moral values go hand in hand, as both are equally important parts of society. Cultural values are what shapes the society and influence the people who live within that society. Moral values are purely personal values. But, the common connection between cultural and moral values is that moral values are taught to us by our cultural society.

Throughout the world, there are different cultures and each culture has its language, beliefs, customs, traditions, rituals and behaviour that they are accustomed to. So, what is the importance of teaching moral values? Let's take a look into it.

India is a diverse country with varying cultures. There are various founding principles or common values in Indian culture, such as: 

‘Tyaga’ meaning renunciation

‘Dana’ meaning liberal giving

‘Nishtha’ meaning dedication

‘Satya’ meaning truth

‘Ahimsa’ meaning non-violence, and

‘Upeksha’ meaning forbearance

Again, moral values are purely personal values, they are not the object of concrete actions. Moral values are reflected in the manner in which a person carries out his/her actions. Every action that we take leaves a trail of information and impression that could, in principle, be recorded and stored for future use. And these pieces of information of being able to judge between the good and the bad come under the moral teachings. Moral teachings help us to choose the right path in life.

The importance of teaching cultural and moral values to students is one of the most important parts of imparting education. As such the school plays a vital role in providing proper guidance to children in inculcating cultural and moral values. Moral and cultural values taught in school teach children how to react in different situations. As such, Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School is one such school that plays a perfect role in giving the right moral and cultural education to their children. The school gives a lot of importance and primary emphasis to value education and value inculcation. Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School is a senior secondary recognized by C.B.S.E. and affiliated with all streams. It is a Sikh minority school located in 4 acres of land with a spacious and refurbished building. The school is carrying forth the legacy of 45 years of excellence in education. The motto of the school is " Vich duniya sev kamaiye", which inspires them to serve humanity with love and compassion. They believe that values cannot be taught in isolation and merely by preaching. 

Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School cherishes ideals of academic excellence, sense of responsibility,  positive attitude, self-motivation, a high moral character and individualized sense of discipline and observance of code of conduct. The initials of the school represent 

G: ''Generosity and kindness for all"
T: "Teamwork despite differences "
B: "Bravery at all times"
P: "Perseverance to fulfil ambitions"
S: "Perseverance to self-control"

Any educational institution must develop thinking and teaching good values to the upcoming generation, and schools like Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School exactly do this. They visualize an educational system which will foster independent thinking, experimentation, universal values, and service to humanity within a safe and nurturing environment to inculcate sound ethical values and simultaneously exposing the children to the modern technologically driven educational environment. The congenial environment of the school develops the right aptitude of the students keeping in mind the highest aims of humility and sacrifice taught by Great Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji. Morals and values should not be taught directly to students in a strict way, as some students may be sensitive and react differently. Therefore, the school uses a myriad range of teaching techniques such as drama, role-play, educational games, debates, simulation, discussion, projects, group works, educational visits, interviews, brainstorming; and utilizing the resource materials using poems, stories, songs, photographs, posters and slogans etc.

Undoubtedly, the quality of a student’s cultural values influences the quality of a student’s life. And these values can be learnt at home, in schools and in an environment where a child lives. It is not the sole responsibility of parents to educate the children about various aspects of Indian culture, schools must also propel their students to develop an interest in the same. Hence, Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School provides the right atmosphere and a healthy mix of modern learnings and cultural teachings to their students. They organize various cultural events which make their children feel more connected with their nation, enabling them to grow into responsible citizens of the nation. They are responsible for doing their part in making the younger generation understand the value of Indian heritage.

It is important to have good values and morals in life. Moral growth is equally important as mental or physical growth of a person. And the role of culture is immense in it.