Small Story 644.

 Small Story 644

The Value of Traditional Behaviour

Sharath had recently married Smitha, a well-educated young woman from Chickmagalur  in the Karnataka region. She held a first-class MBA degree. Sharath's parents had always wished that their son would marry a traditional girl who respected elders and cherished family values.

Sharath was born and brought up in Bangalore and had a modern outlook on life. He enjoyed mingling with friends, attending parties, and participating in social gatherings. He worked in a multinational bank and earned a handsome salary along with attractive perks.

After the wedding, Smitha moved to Bangalore  to live with Sharath and his family. One day, Sharath's father, Suresh, introduced Smitha to some of his friends who had come to congratulate the family on the recent marriage. Smitha greeted all the elders with a respectful namaskaram and bowed before them as a mark of respect.

That night, Sharath told his mother, Seetha, "Please ask Smitha to simply say 'Namaste' to everyone. There is no need for her to bow before the elders."

Seetha smiled and replied, "Your wife is behaving very gracefully with everyone. Showing respect to elders in this way is part of our tradition. Whoever comes to see the new bride appreciates her humility and good manners."

The next day, Sharath encouraged Smitha to join a multinational company where he knew the senior manager. Impressed by her qualifications and abilities, the company offered her an excellent position, and she soon began her career there.

As time passed, Smitha proved to be both competent and hardworking. She earned the respect of her colleagues and supervisors. Despite her professional success, she remained humble, caring, and respectful toward everyone around her.

One day, Sharath's friend Laxman said to him, "You should feel fortunate. Your wife respects everyone and values relationships. Smitha is a wonderful example of a loving and traditional person. Your parents always wanted such a daughter-in-law, and you are lucky to have her."

Sharath reflected on his friend's words and finally understood that traditional behaviour is not about superiority or old-fashioned thinking. It is simply one way of expressing respect, love, gratitude, and consideration for others.

From that day onward, he appreciated Smitha's values even more and realized that modern education and traditional virtues can go hand in hand, creating a balanced and admirable personality.

Moral: Respect can be shown in many ways, but when tradition and good character go hand in hand, they leave a lasting impression on everyone.

– K. Ragavan

17-6-26