Delve into the rich tapestry of cultural contradictions from India to Dubai. Gain insights into the human experience as individuals grapple with conflicting values and lifestyles.
India presents a tapestry of paradoxes: soaring skyscrapers juxtaposed with sprawling slums, traditional bhelpuri stalls neighbouring modern malls, and luxury BMWs sharing parking spaces with market stalls operating on slim profit margins. Amidst this myriad of contradictions, one might assume such disparities are unique to India. However, the global landscape is equally rife with incongruities.
Consider the simultaneous rise of environmentally-conscious initiatives like electric vehicles, sustainable fuels, and biofuels alongside the enduring popularity of high-performance superbikes. This duality is epitomized in urban settings like Bengaluru, where software engineers endure lengthy commutes to develop apps promising rapid delivery services.
Delving further, one encounters societal contradictions, such as the multifaceted portrayal of motherhood in America. From the environmentally-conscious “crunchy mom” to the consumerist “silky mom,” and the moderate “scrunchy mom,” each archetype embodies conflicting values and lifestyles.
Amidst this sea of contradictions, one may ponder their own beliefs and place in the world. How does an individual navigate conflicting ideologies and discern their path forward? Reflecting on personal experiences, I acknowledge grappling with dichotomous desires, such as advocating for sustainability while indulging in occasional temptations like fast fashion and convenience foods.
For me, enlightenment came through the teachings of the Japji Sahib, particularly the concept of embracing divine will and fostering inner harmony. Embracing acceptance and surrender became guiding principles in my daily life, fostering a sense of unity with the supreme creator.
Simon Sinek, in his seminal work “Start with Why,” underscores the power of purpose in overcoming adversity. Stories of resilience, like that of Dr. Ram Buxani, illustrate how unwavering commitment to a cause can transcend even the most daunting challenges. Dr. Ram Buxani, a Dubai-based Non-Resident Indian entrepreneur and chairman of the business conglomerate ITL Cosmos Group, exemplifies this ethos. During a candid interview, he disclosed a challenging aspect of his early days, recounting how he and his companions resorted to straining water teeming with insects and flies, subsequently boiling it for consumption in order to survive. His journey from being a partition victim to settling in Dubai for livelihood serves as a testament to the transformative power of purpose.
In our Advanced Managers Mastery course, participants often reveal profound life goals rooted in personal values. For instance, one participant expressed a desire to settle in their hometown away from the urban hustle, emphasizing the significance of personal connections and heritage.
In professional settings, individuals often grapple with financial decisions, career dilemmas, and existential uncertainties. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the Cherokee proverb reminds us of the eternal struggle between conflicting impulses—good versus evil—and the importance of nurturing virtues that align with our true selves.
In our Career Quest: Unleashing Your Professional Potential course, we offer guidance for individuals seeking to align their career aspirations with their personal values, fostering a fulfilling and purpose-driven professional journey.
Here are some questions to reflect on:
- What is your one big dream or aspiration?
- What are your current roles and responsibilities at home?
- What is one thing that you value most in life?
- What is one professional moment that excited you and why?
- What helps you stay focused and clear-headed when things get confusing?
- What part of the blog resonated with you, and why?
These introspective reflections will initiate a journey of self-awareness, rooted in your core values and aspirations. This foundational process serves as a steadfast vessel, navigating through the calm and turbulent waters of life’s challenges. Ultimately, our values act as guiding beacons, illuminating the path through life’s complexities and inner struggles. By nurturing our virtuous traits and remaining steadfast in our beliefs, we attain clarity amidst uncertainty and unlock inner liberation.
Beautiful narration of life’s contradictions and journey of an individual through them.
Great suggestion to solve this riddle by identifying personal choices and goals in life and addressing them with personal beliefs and ethics.
Namaste Uncle jii,
In the complicated machinery of life having a strong moral compass helps us encounter great individuals like you and have a happy and fulfilled life.
Thank you for your kind words. I greatly appreciate your encouragement.
Regards,
Gittanjali C Kalro
It’s quite an insightful article on the contradictions one generally encounters in various situations in life. ‘Co-existence’ of the skyscrapers with the surrounding slums is an example of the life’s contradictions!
While living/working in different situations, one might find them quite contrary to one’s background and upbringing. What happens when contradictions arise?
I would tend to think that those with strong ethics (‘sanskar,’ one might say), while adapting to the extent necessary, would basically stay rooted. Others might get completely influenced by the situations they find difficult to resist.
I think one’s virtues play a pivotal role in navigating an individual’s course through various contradictions life throws at us.
Namaste Uncle jii,
You are right, it is our ‘sanskars’ that keep us rooted on our path. Your observations are beautiful. Thank you for your detailed comment… I am sure other readers will benefit from your views too.
Thank you for your comments.
Regards
Gittanjali C Kalro
Such an insightful write up… it help me reflect of my journey and dreams… beautifully written…
Namaste Monica jii,
We pray your values continue to guide you to the best possible version of yourself. Thank you for the compliments on the blog. Looking forward to your readership…
Regards,
Gittanjali C Kalro
Loved reading this… such important thoughts expressed with so much clarity and intent!
Please continue sharing these insights 🙂
Namaste Devika jii,
We appreciate the encouragement you have extended towards our work. I hope the article helped elevate your knowledge on the subject. Thank you for your response.
Regards,
Gittanjali C Kalro
Geethanjali has an amazing talent of telling her story with such great power and imaginative skills that it makes one wonder, how beautifully skilled this soul is. Known G to be a dear friend n feel very proud of this wonderful piece of hers. God bless dear. May you be used to spread your wings across the creative industry.
Namaste Shruti jii,
So very kind of you Shurti for these wonderful comments. I’m, honestly, speechless. All I can say is, May Waheguru be with you in all that you do.
Thank you!