Mātrmān, Pitrmān, Āchāryavān puruṣo vedaḥ

"The one who has the measure of mother, the measure of father, and the guidance of a teacher—he truly knows."

When a person is born into this world, they are indebted to their mother, father, and teacher, and it is absolutely essential for them to repay this debt.

It is the duty of parents to raise their children to be more capable and virtuous than themselves and to offer them as good individuals to society. By doing so, they fulfill their maternal and paternal debt.

It is the duty of children to respect and honor their parents—those who carried them on their shoulders to show them the world, who gave everything for them beyond their capacity without caring for their own joys and sorrows. In times of need, children should support their parents.

Serving and caring for aged parents brings immeasurable spiritual merit that cannot be compared to anything else.

The blessings of parents are incredibly powerful for their children, yet there should never be any lack of respect or love toward them. Spend time with them, talk to them with love, ask how they are—they will feel happy, and their blessings will flow naturally from their hearts.

Set aside a part of your income for their monthly needs. Just like they gave you pocket money in your childhood, you should give them a monthly allowance now. Take them out occasionally, serve them their favorite food and items, and keep videos of such moments—as they are here today, but may not be tomorrow. These memories will touch your heart deeply in their absence.

Sadly, it is often seen that people argue with their living elders but perform rituals after they’re gone—"If alive, they’re a burden; if dead, carry them to the Ganges." If you want to do something for them, do it while they’re alive—only then will it truly matter.

While preserving our traditions, we must also offer Tarpan (ritual offerings), charity, and donations in memory of our ancestors. This is an essential part of our cultural values.