Finding meaning in ancient custom

The world, today, is regarded as a ‘global village’ where consumerism, undeniably, runs rampant creating an unhealthy fixation on material things by which people tend to base their self-worth.

In today’s world, preserving one’s cultural heritage may be considered a feat tantamount to protecting a rare species in very real danger of extinction.

Yet, one has to ask, “Are our cultural traditions still relevant in today’s fast-paced society? Does it still have a place in the progressive outlook we have adopted? Do traditional practices still have value in our modern lifestyles?”

South African Indian and successful local businesswoman, Jayshree Harilal, answers all of these questions with a resounding, “Yes!”

We asked Jayshree how she has managed to hold on to her cultural identity in modern times, and what role her customs play in her life today.

When she answers, Jayshree is dressed for work in a traditional punjabi, with bright red sindoor on her hairline depicting her marital status, and bangles on her wrists that tinkle softy as she moves.

“Our traditions and customs are what bond us together as families and as communities,” says Jayshree. “For example, have you ever heard that a family that prays together, stays together? This is true of whatever your cultural traditions are. Observing the customs together, bonds a family. This is more important than ever when you consider the divorce rate and the number of troubled families, today, compared to the past.”

Jayshree moved to Newcastle from Escourt 19-years ago after marriage and, over the years, has built a business from scratch, raised two children and kept a happy home.

“My interest in my culture began when I was very little. It stemmed from a curiosity about why we performed certain rituals and what the significance of these rituals was. I was very inquisitive and asked a lot of questions,” she laughs.

“At the end of the day, I found that no matter what your religious beliefs, the core values it aims to instill are essentially the same. ‘Do good and be good.’ Being a woman in business was tough because I had to be competitive and committed. It involved working from morning till night, but the fact that I was using my day to keep my culture alive created such a good atmosphere that I didn’t mind,” continued Jayshree.

She added, “As a woman, the most important thing to me is my family, and I hope to instill good values in my children through our culture that they will take forward into the next generation. Through me, I hope they learn love and respect, and to be grateful for what they have.”

As a member of the community, Jayshree is actively involved in the construction of the Fernwood Temple and contributes generously to the town’s annual Maha Yajna prayer for universal peace and prosperity. “My customers are also part of my community and we learn from each other. I do not know everything, but each person has some knowledge of the traditions and customs. When they come in, we talk to each other and share that knowledge. In doing so, we have found something that restores our sense of community,” concludes Jayshree.