Curiosity, Culture, and the Science of Tradition

Growing up in India, surrounded by an intricate web of cultural practices and traditions, I rarely stopped to ask, Why? These customs were simply a part of life, unquestioned and sometimes overlooked, thanks to my non-conservative, open-minded parents who allowed me the freedom to follow—or not follow—rituals without consequence. But as the years have passed, I find myself circling back to these traditions, curious not just about their origins but also about their potential hidden wisdom. Could there be more to them than meets the eye?

Take fasting, for example. As a Jain, fasting took many forms: eating only once or twice a day, avoiding food after sunset, or subsisting on boiled water cooled to room temperature. Back then, it felt like a chore—or an excuse to dream about the reward of my favorite food that I could get to eat the next day. But today, fasting has gained scientific recognition for its health benefits, from intermittent fasting to circadian rhythm-based eating. Suddenly, those "rules" I once ignored or reluctantly followed, make a lot of sense: giving your body a rest, aligning your eating patterns with the sun, and cultivating mindfulness around food.

And then there's Anekantavada, a core Jain principle that teaches us to respect and learn from multiple viewpoints. Imagine the world if we all embraced this philosophy: where disagreements became opportunities for growth rather than division. It’s a principle that feels almost tailor-made for today’s polarized world. How fascinating that it was codified centuries ago!

Even the smaller customs—removing shoes before entering the house, for instance—are now finding resonance in modern science. It’s not just about keeping dirt out; it’s about energy. Spaces hold energy, and stepping into a home should feel like stepping into a sanctuary, free of negativity. Similarly, the intense cleaning before Diwali might seem like an arduous ritual, but isn’t it just a clever way to declutter, refresh, and reset—not just your home, but your mind?

But what truly intrigues me are the traditions I used to brush off as oppressive or outdated. For instance, in many Indian families, elders make most decisions for the younger generation, or even when everyone is asked, the weight of elders is heavier generally (Dont know if it is for the experience, or out of respect or..). Is this really about curtailing freedom, or is it rooted in protecting children from the cognitive overload we now know comes with decision-making? Could the elders’ guidance be a way to shield younger minds from the weight of big and small choices, allowing them to conserve mental energy for growth and learning? 

Or consider the age-old practice of arranged marriages. For the longest time, it seemed like an outdated construct. But now, I wonder—was it an early form of matchmaking that extended beyond two individuals? Families and cultures were considered to ensure long-term compatibility, not just emotional but communal. And perhaps the involvement of family in these unions fostered a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, something we know contributes to mental well-being.

Even the peculiar tradition of having a baby’s name chosen by their paternal aunt based on astrological charts makes me pause. At first glance, it seems like a random relinquishing of parental rights. But could it also be a symbol of communal living? A way to weave the family closer together, sharing the weight and joy of raising a child?

What fascinates me most is the thread that ties all of these together: a sense of interconnectedness. Whether it’s fasting, cleaning, decision-making, or naming a baby, so many of these traditions seem designed to strengthen the bonds between individuals, families, and the universe itself.

Of course, not every custom holds up under scrutiny. Some might simply be relics of a bygone era, their original intent long lost. But isn’t it worth asking why? What do these rituals mean? Are they based on sound reasoning, or are we blindly following them because “it’s always been done this way”?

I’ll leave you with a question: What traditions or customs from your own life have you found yourself questioning? What new perspectives might you uncover if you looked at them with curiosity instead of skepticism? Who knows—you might just find a little science hiding behind the superstition.

Mixed Emotions and Story of Change in a Foreign Country

Most of my friends, who have known me from India, believe I have changed a lot. Ofcourse they say its all for the better...I feel this change myself noticeably evident in my thoughts and actions...The once shy, quiet and traditional girl now reflects an aura of confidence and independence....This must have been a smooth transition process because I hardly realized this happening....

When I first came to USA in August 2004, I had hardly gone to the bank about couple of times in my life (the last one being to get the travellers cheque's since they require your presence and signature to issue those cheques), had never written a cheque, had never used a credit card or an ATM, had never filled petrol in my activa or kinetic, had never driven car in the traffic areas like the city, had never made my own bed, had never washed my clothes or cleaned my utensils, had never made any buying decision alone, had never been confused on what to cook etc.. and the list goes on and on....I remember when my uncle first took me to a bank, I asked them how to write a check..My uncle and aunt showed me to how to use the ATM, to withdrawn the cash or deposit the cheque(Depositing a cheque is still something I prefer doing at the bank in front of a live person)...When my uncle took me to the shopping mall to buy comforter set for my bed in my new apt, I asked him which one should I buy and there he taught me an invaluable lesson for life. He teached me, now that I was in a country, where everyone is independent, I should be making my own decisions...and thats how the process of own decision making started in my life...Still, sometimes I would call up my parents or my friends and ask them what they think about the things I buy...I remember buying my first own 60$ camera, not a branded one, and I had emailed my old friend in india back and forth, just to make sure I was making the right decision.....so the change was not all of a sudden atleast I would think....But then the number of decisions to make kept on increasing from buying an ipod to driving to canada to visit an old friend and see niagra falls, to present at a SWE conference in Anaheim california, to work as a intern, to take up research, to visit india, to graduate, to look for a job, to deal with customers, to live in a foreign country called slovenia (whose name I had never heard before)for 3 months, to travel in Europe, to rent an apartment and the time available to make these decisions kept on decreasing...forcing me to making my own life decisions fast...taking full responsibility of my actions...

I don't know when I changed from the Bhumika, who thought its ok for a girl to live at home and not work, to bhumika who believes every individual is responsible for their own self and can make their own decisions on how they choose to live their life. Gender should have no influence on whether you want to work or cook!! If I was still living in India, I would have considered divorce is wrong, that should never happen, being in the independent land, my views have changed to, you live once, if both of you are not happy in the life you are living, it is better to separate and live a happy life rather than live under the same roof in pain for the sake of others( the society), who are not even your family and have no right to interfere in what you do is your personal matter. These views might be considered too modern and liberal by the still conservative, male generation of my birth land..

I wish friends and families in my home country, India, become more respectful of girls and encourage them to acheieve their dreams...The culture of a country is never lost by individuals voicing their opinions....Infact, the spirit of culture becomes more strong when you have the liberty to decide what is right and what is wrong for self.....