A warm embrace is a meaningful gesture of demonstration in public of deep affection and love . One cannot use it indiscriminately like using one brand of soap to wash all laundry. It should be reserved according to level of personal and degree of intimacy of relationship The British even resort to a kiss , not lip locking , a physical act to demonstrate a degree of close relations. A warm handshake is a universally accepted , way to greet. The pressure of handshake ,period conveyes the depth of feelings towards the other as a welcome sign. .During covid pandemic , keeping a safe physical distance was the order of the day to prevent spread of infections. It is during that pandemic the Indian style of Namoste spread like wild fire. According to our tradition and custom the wishing of ladies by Namaste was a preferred choice as physical contact with opposite sex in public was considered a taboo.Even to this day ,this dignified practice is not in vogue and not given a go bye.The female is treated with respect and honour .The practice of salute and bowing too is common with some Nations. A physical embrace is limited to a very intimate relationship between relatives ,couple, siblings and even then embracing ,kissing a female traditionally is unacceptable under public glare . The mode of kissing the hands of a lady is sometimes tolerated in some cultures .In India Namaste is our cultural pride and wishing with folded hands with a slight dip of posture is considered respectful and dignified behaviour. As the world comes closer, the social, cultural practices get imitated adopted to demonstrate closer ties.Hence the National customs undergo transformation to suit the changing times.It is also extended to National dress though not strictly adhered to .India has also adopted of raising of welcome ceremonial toast with wines and alcohol. National leaders maitain their pride by conversing in their official language with translators , even though fluent in Universal languages .In India up today the husband does not hug the wife in public Some communities lock lips publicly at weddig ceremony for compulsory photo opps Hence a welcome by a kiss,handshake an embrace is medicaly cautioned as prevention of transmission of contagious diseases.A dignified bow, a salute and Mamaste are safest precautionary approaches from personal safety concerns . Remember Caeser was stabbed in a treacherous act of friendly embrace by trusted Brutus. Judas in Christianity betrayed Jesus by kiss. PM Rajeev Ghandhi luckily escaped unhurt in Sri Lanka welcome parade , which has led to a norm, protocol of maintaing safe distance for dignitaries eversince. Mrs Ghandhi assassinated by her trusted guard on duty In adopting reforms our cultural traditions need to be observed as our garment of National pride in official meets
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
