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While glancing the morning News Paper a few days ago, an article on the system of “Living Together” drew my attention to go through the columns. The first thing that came to my mind was the concept of “Undivided Family” (Joint Family) or “Avibhakta Kutumba” as in Kannada. But the contents of the column did not mean it. The new system of Living Together meant for unmarried couples, or lovers has a red-carpet welcome for them. That means, a man and a woman can live together like any other family, be it a hotel room or a residential accommodation. Though the system is common in most of the other countries, it was not so in India. But, now it is happening. We may not be surprised if it becomes common in the days to come. The question “Is the system affecting the Tradition and the Society?” remains unanswered. However, a true Indian cultured citizen may not accept the unhealthy system.

Living together in an Undivided Family (Jont Family) is good and healthy. I still remember my grandfather’s was an undivided family. His eleven children along with their brothers, sisters, husbands, wives and their children lived together and never faced problems. They were religious, godloving and traditionally married. There was culture, responsibility, and respect for each other. The undivided family’s strength was about 35 members. The five-women-army comprising of 5 co-sisters was in charge of the kitchen under the guidance of their sister-in-laws and the first lady, GRANDMA. All of them were served morning breakfast, lunch and dinner at the fixed time. On the auspicious full moon days, special dinners were arranged. “Kai Thuththu” was one among them. That is how they lived together with love, affection, trust and devotion. But later the joint family parted and became divided families, (vibhakta kutumba) as the second generation changed their style of living according to the situations. Egoism, avarice and selfishness could have been the cause for the split in the undivided family. A classic Kannada movie “Chandavalliya Thota” depicts the story of of an undivided family. What happens when a family is divided. Any one can forget?

But, the concept of living together without marriage is not acceptable as it will be an illicit affair. Instead, it may be called as “Living ToGetHer”. Though the situation has arisen for the uncommon system, it may not last long.

The concept of living together by unlawful means has always ended in tragedy. One such tragic novel in Kannada is Gejjepuje by Mrs. M.K.Indira, which was then made as a classic film by the legendary Director Mr. S.R. Puttanna Kanagal using the same title. The system of Devadasi, or Prostitution for livelihood is a common factor in India. In olden days, rich people purchased Devadasis by paying huge amounts to their Guardians. Then those Devadasis were known as illegal wives and they also lived together like husband and wife, but the society did not accept their relationship. That is why; there is not even one example of a Devadasi who lived happily. Their life always ends in tragedy.

Let us take an example of a family where a husband and wife are legally married and the society has accepted them. Though living together in a joint family is not possible nowadays, individual families have always lived happily. One festive occasions, holidays and other religious functions, they meet their dear ones and exchange greetings. Living together in such an atmosphere gives you happiness, satisfaction and respect in the society. You will have an understanding of what is a family and what is commitment. If you live together, you are taken care by the family members and also you will have concern for them. You have to run a family, like you run an office, run an organization or run a Government.

So, let us live together in a family and build our society strong. Let us take oath not to extend our support to the people who live together illegally. Let us socially boycott them, so that they realize and transform themselves as good citizens of the society.

There is a good quote in Kannada: “Manava Janma Doddadu, Adannu Hani Maadikolladiri Huchchappagalira, Manava Janma Doddadu”.

Human life is great. Don’t go mad and spoil it. Human life is really great.