Pitri Visarjan: Dr Parshuram Tiwari Calls for Turning Ancestral Reverence into Social Responsibility

Pitri Visarjan is not merely a religious observance but an occasion to reflect on gratitude, family values and social responsibility, says Dr Parshuram Tiwari, an educationist and faculty member at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Jasidih, Deoghar.

Emphasising the deeper significance of the observance, Tiwari said remembering ancestors should go beyond performing rituals and involve preserving their values, acknowledging their sacrifices and passing their legacy on to future generations.

He stressed that reverence for ancestors must also find expression in the way people treat their living parents, senior citizens and vulnerable members of society. Caring for elderly family members and ensuring their dignity and well-being, he said, are among the most meaningful ways to honour the generations that came before us.

Referring to the Taittiriya Upanishad, Tiwari cited the teaching “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava”, which calls upon individuals to revere their mother and father. He said the principle remains relevant today, reminding people that respect for parents should be reflected in everyday conduct and responsibility towards them.

According to Tiwari, Pitru Paksha also helps strengthen intergenerational bonds by connecting younger people with their family histories, cultural traditions and ancestral values. Such observances offer an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of previous generations and consider how their legacy can guide present-day choices.

He further said the true spirit of the occasion lies in translating devotion into meaningful action. Helping those in need, promoting education, protecting the environment and respecting human dignity are ways in which the values associated with ancestral remembrance can contribute to a more compassionate society.

Summing up the message of Pitri Visarjan, Tiwari identified three interconnected principles: gratitude towards ancestors, sensitivity towards the needs of the present generation and responsibility towards those who will inherit the future.

He said that when religious observances inspire compassion, service and responsible living, their significance extends beyond individual faith and becomes a lasting contribution to society.