Family - an important word to human beings. Family is the source of strength of any individual and one of the motivating forces for man/woman to progress and achieve.

Family, if lived in a right perspective, can give immense satisfaction and produce great human-beings and nations.

So, we bring this special issue on Family-Building.

From this issue, we are starting a new feature, 'Beyond words'. The feature will be an ex-pression beyond the limitations of language or words. Give your reflections, please.

Authoritarian culture of the elders dictates the family instead of friendliness.
• Obedience is demanded from adult children.
• Family’s ‘prestige’ is the center of the family rather than growth of each individual.
• Strong opposition to any positive change in the family.
• Elders preach instead of setting examples themselves.
• Women face lot of injustice and conservative attitude.
• No or very negligible division of work or labour.
• Rigidly demanding that all follow and work only as per the ‘predefined’ systems.
• Camouflaging small matters as very big principles.
• Human values of love, joy, growth and peace are ignored.
• Enforcing rules on a new bride or a new member joining the family.
• Unequal, partial distribution of wealth, property or income.
• Criticizing when someone makes a ‘mistake’ or fails.
• Not spending time with family members when they need it and as much as they need it.

Family members- especially elders don’t lose their temper over small matters.
• All members of the family express their love continuously for each other in different ways.
• Humor and fun are also flowing continuously, at the same time it ensures that fun and teasing never cross their limits of civility.
• Nobody’s growth is hindered. Nobody imposes nor demands anything from anyone for giving service or co-operation to the family. Yet all think of each other with lot of sincerity, take care of them; help each other genuinely.
• Instances of squabbles and quarrels do occur, but it’s for the sake of nurturing independence of family member but there is no bitterness.
• The issue of spending time together is decided rationally and is evaluated also. Family members always try to understand and accept the conflicts of created due to profession or pursuit of mission. Thus a beautiful harmony exists in the family, even if they spend less time with each other.
• It respects differences.
• Communication is the lifeline of the family. There is an atmosphere of harmony and dialogue in the family.

We must ask ourselves these questions-

What is the purpose of family? Are we a meaningful family?

Am I aware about the myths and notions of a family?

A Successful family is committed and supportive of each other; it provides a foundation and anchor for each member. But a Significant family, according to Dr Stephan Covey, has moved to the next level. It is able to “be outside of self” by reaching out to help others. He encouraged successful families to work in the community to make a difference in others. Our nation is because of the services and sacrifices of such significant families.