Brief Summary
Okay, so basically, the speaker is answering a question about whether teenagers should be allowed to date in Indian society. He's saying that society isn't a fixed thing, and we have the power to choose and even build our own. He emphasizes the importance of individual choice and freedom, saying that culture should support freedom, and if it doesn't, it should be changed. Dating is important for young people to meet each other and form relationships, and arranged marriages aren't a good alternative. He says that people should date with the right intentions, free from fear and ego, and that a society that doesn't allow people to meet is a sick society.
- Society is not a fixed entity; individuals can choose and shape their own.
- Culture should promote freedom, and if it doesn't, it should be changed.
- Dating is essential for young people to form relationships, and it should be done with the right intentions, free from fear and ego.
Question About Teen Dating in Indian Society
So, this girl from FIJC Arts asks a question about whether Indian society should allow teenagers to date, considering it's not really permissible according to societal norms.
Understanding Society and Individual Choice
The speaker explains that society isn't just one thing. We're born into a society, but as adults, we can choose and even build our own society. This idea of free will and choice is important. You're not stuck in one particular society by chance. There are many societies, and if you can't find one that fits, you can create your own.
Defining Your Society and Opportunities
The speaker talks about what we consider our society – like your contact list or friends on social media. But that's just a few thousand people, and the world has 800 crore people. So, why limit yourself when you have so many options? He points out that we're only using a tiny fraction of the opportunities available to us.
Living by Choice, Not Chance
He questions how many people in our lives are actually there by our choice. Many are just classmates, schoolmates, or relatives. He emphasizes that we should live by choice and volition, not just by chance. Why can't we base our choices on freedom?
Freedom and Empowerment in the Modern Age
The speaker says that young people like to be choosy, but when it comes to important things like our society, we don't choose at all. In this age of technology, why should we accept something imposed on us by chance? He questions whether it's necessary to be defined by our family, tradition, or religion. We have one life, and we should live it in freedom.
The Urgency of Living Freely
He reminds everyone that we only have one life, and we don't know when it might end. So, why spend it in frustration or bondage? He encourages everyone to pick and choose their path.
Culture and Its Fluidity
Moving on to dating, he defines culture as an accepted way of behaving. Culture is fluid and changes with advancements in science, technology, and knowledge. It shouldn't be treated as something sacred and unchangeable.
Culture, Freedom, and the Litmus Test
He argues that culture isn't all that important; freedom is central. Culture should follow freedom. To assess a culture, ask if it promotes freedom, because freedom is the highest goal. A culture that doesn't protect freedom should be changed.
Dating vs. Arranged Marriage
The speaker questions what young people are supposed to do if they can't meet each other. The alternative to dating is arranged marriage, and we know the horrors of arranged marriages. If young people can't meet as free individuals, how will they ever form relationships?
Meeting with the Right Intentions
He says that people should meet each other as free individuals, free from external pressure and internal ego. Don't meet someone to exploit them or use them for entertainment. Meet them as someone who can help you in life and someone you'd like to be friends with.
Freedom from Fear and Ego
He emphasizes the importance of freedom from fear and the tyranny of ego. Don't be mean or driven by lust when you date. If that's okay, then dating is something obvious and desirable. It's okay for boys to meet boys, girls to meet girls, and girls to meet boys. A society that doesn't allow that is a sick society.
The Right and Wrong Ways to Meet
He concludes that meeting someone with the wrong intentions is also sick. Meet and date with the right intentions from the right center, and all is okay.
