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Hello, everyone! I’m Farhan, and today, I want to discuss the significance of values in the social development of children.

Values are the principles guiding our lives, and are pivotal in shaping our identities during childhood. For me, the most important core value that I’ve always cherished is the value of helping those in need, and I do this by fundraising for charity. While qualities, such as athleticism, are inherent attributes. There is a clear difference between the two, and both play distinct roles in our lives.

Individuals usually find acceptance in society when their values align with those of the community. Unfortunately, people may change their values to fit in with the wrong crowds, some time for the better, mostly for worse. This isn’t merely peer pressure, this ruins character, and makes it much harder to educate children about distinguishing between good and bad values to follow. These values form the core foundation of our lives, shaping who we become in adulthood, so bad values in childhood can ruin your life, while positive ones can make it better..

Crucial core values include respecting others, helping those in need, and accepting people for who they are. With social media playing a significant role in today’s society, it is crucial to be mindful of the values being portrayed, especially given the heightened health risks among South Asians, particularly Malayalis.

Values like passion, empathy, engagement, and community involvement are essential for societal progress. Imagine a world where everyone embraced negative values; our advancements in technology and medicine wouldn’t be where they are today.

These values collectively contribute to molding individuals into better versions of themselves. They bring opportunities and qualities crucial for success in life, providing purpose and meaning, allowing individuals to build their lives around a set of principles.

Numerous value-based and moral-based philosophies exist worldwide, reflecting diverse cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions. These philosophies often overlap, share common principles, and may influence each other. Some prominent examples include:

The concept of “Ikigai,” focusing on finding the balance between earning money, enjoying what you do, helping the world, and having a family, can guide individuals toward their perfect lifestyle.

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, we find the concept of “Dharma” – one’s righteous duty. The Gita emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with virtuous values, contributing not only to personal growth but also to the greater good. For example, J.Robert Oppenheimer based his life around many different parts of different faiths, but took many principles from the Gita, and it shaped him into the father of the atomic bomb, and his famous line: I am become death, destroyer of worlds.

Zen values, rooted in Buddhism, underscore simplicity, mindfulness, and living in the present moment. These principles encourage a deep connection with oneself and the world, creating an environment where positive values can flourish.

Another example is rooted in the Quran and Hadith, where Islamic values focus on principles such as justice, compassion, and ethical conduct, and require all Muslims to give a minimum.

Now, let’s draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. His values of non-violence, truth, and self-discipline were instrumental in India’s fight for independence. Gandhi’s belief in leading by example, often encapsulated in the phrase “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” is a powerful reminder of how individual values can catalyze societal transformation.

In conclusion, values and virtues play a profound role in shaping individuals and society as a whole. By instilling positive values in our children and embracing virtues, we contribute to creating a world where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for listening.