Targeting youth, GSB community chalks out back-to-roots programme

Kochi: To prevent the younger generation from going astray, the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community is on a mission to bring them back to the traditional fold. They are trying to create awareness among youngsters on why it is necessary to follow a sattvic diet and the rituals of the community. The back-to-roots programme comes in the backdrop of many young members leading a fast-paced modern life without giving much space to their beliefs and ways, said community leaders.
There are 80,000 to 90,000 GSB community members in Ernakulam and their major occupation is business. The grama sabhas have members drawn from 50 families in each area. Community leaders are of the view that food habits bring out the Asura nature or sattvic character in a person. At weekend grama sabha meetings, the elders and community leaders are urging youngsters to mind the strictures laid down by their forefathers.
Youngsters are told to give up alcohol, onion and potatoes that are prohibited by the community. "Many are forced to eat these vegetables when they go outside after securing a job. But this is a taboo since it fuels dark emotions like anger and greed. Degradation of moral values are reflected in the attitude of this generation. We want to nurture moral values in them," said Sanjay Pai, secretary of GSB Vikas Pariksha.
He said that there was a time when young men used to recite evening prayers and Gayatri mantra. "This has forced the community leaders to create awareness about the tradition," Sanjay said.
C G Rajagopal, president of the GSB Kshema Sabha said: "Young GSB community members are becoming alcoholics. Migration of GSB community to various parts has brought a change in their food habits. This move came on the backdrop of many young members in the community could not stick to the rules due to the passage of time and changes in lifestyle brought changes in the sattvic diet followed by our community".
Naveen Kammath, a young businessman working in TD Road is upset by the trend. "When we go out, we usually try to follow our traditions. But we cannot follow it everywhere. We are trapped in the rigours of modern age," he said.