Humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow emphasizes self-esteem as a cornerstone of human growth, fundamental to achieving self-realization. Naturally, we associate self-esteem with our personal accomplishments, professional milestones, and individual growth journeys. But shouldn't this concept also extend beyond individual achievements, encompassing our collective civilizational identity? Can genuine growth occur if our cultural roots remain forgotten—or worse, misunderstood?
Ancient Indian wisdom consistently underscores the importance of self-respect—not merely on an individual scale but also as a civilization. Acharya Chanakya powerfully states:
आत्मसम्मानं नैव त्यजेत्।
"Never forsake your self-respect."
However, self-respect isn't just about personal dignity. It also encompasses our appreciation for and pride in the traditions and culture that have nurtured us. Imagine a civilization disconnected from its glorious past—can it truly aspire for greatness, or is it destined for mediocrity, perpetually seeking external validation?
We all revere iconic figures like Rama and Krishna. Yet tragically, even our understanding of these extraordinary personalities is often clouded by misinformation, propaganda, cynical narratives, and superficial critiques—stemming from misinterpretations or simply the lack of effort to genuinely explore and comprehend their true essence. Are our reverence and appreciation for them truly deep-rooted, or merely superficial?
To draw a parallel, consider asking an average citizen of Britain about King Arthur. Despite the ambiguity surrounding his historical existence, one encounters unwavering belief, pride, and reverence. Such collective admiration is not merely nostalgic—it fosters cultural continuity, creating a profound sense of identity and belonging.
The real issue, therefore, is not merely the complexity involved in categorizing the actions and character of Rama and Krishna into simplistic binaries. Rather, our fundamental challenge lies in our collective amnesia towards countless other historical heroes, whose contributions to civilization are undeniably monumental yet straightforwardly forgotten.
Why, then, do we Indians struggle to take genuine pride in these historical icons—men and women whose achievements significantly shaped entire branches of human knowledge? Is self-doubt naturally ingrained in us, or have we been subtly programmed to nurture it? The roots of our self-esteem crisis perhaps do not stem from a lack of heroes but from our inability to recognize, cherish, and celebrate them authentically.
Dr. Karan Mittal
MBBS, M.A ( Sanskrit, Clinical Psychology, Indology, Hindu Studies)
M.Sc ( Counselling Psychology), PGDCH,
PGDVS.
