The CEO of a Gurugram-based company, Jasveer Singh, has put forward a compelling argument against the longstanding tradition of touching the feet of elders. He claims that this gesture, often perceived as a sign of respect, is more a product of social conditioning than a genuine expression of admiration. Jasveer, who is the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, emphasised that one’s worthiness for respect should extend beyond age, familial ties, or religious identity.

In a direct post on X, Singh stated that true respect should be associated with qualities such as character, wisdom, knowledge, and integrity, rather than age alone. He challenged the notion that seniority automatically warrants this traditional gesture, stating, “Touching someone’s feet just because they’re older should stop. That isn’t respect, that’s social conditioning.” He expressed concern that many individuals unthinkingly engage in this practice without questioning whether the elder genuinely merits such respect.

Critique of Social Norms

Jasveer Singh raised questions regarding the social norms surrounding respect in Indian society. He suggested that many individuals adhere to the custom merely because it is a learned behaviour, passed down through generations. This, he argued, leads to a cycle of obligatory gestures where respect becomes performative. He proclaimed that mere age is not synonymous with wisdom, contending that if age were a merit for respect, then every elder would inherently be wise.

Singh further asserted that religious attire or familial relationships should not automatically qualify someone for respect. Instead, he advocated for a more discerning approach to admiration. He encouraged followers to offer the gesture to those they truly respect, such as individuals whose character they admire or whose achievements inspire them to learn. “Respect should be genuine, not compulsory,” emphasised Singh in his remarks, urging individuals to reconsider their motivations for the tradition.

His comments appear to challenge the status quo, inviting individuals to reflect deeply on their actions and the reasons behind them. He pointed out that people often bend to societal expectation, stating, “Stop bending because society expects it, bend only when it’s real,” to underscore the need for authentic respect.

Public Reactions and Debate

Singh’s post sparked a lively debate in the comments section, with reactions ranging from agreement to criticism. Some users expressed support for Singh’s views, appreciating the need to reassess traditional practices. However, others contested his standpoint, arguing that questioning such customs fails to honour the cultural context in which they exist. One commenter, who initially followed Singh for his insightful takes, suggested that he needs to understand Indian culture better instead of analysing it critically.

Another participant in the discussion highlighted an essential nuance between respecting elders for their life experiences versus their wisdom. They noted, “Respecting elders for the experience of surviving life is different from respecting them for wisdom.” This indicates a recognition of the differing dimensions of respect based on personal attributes rather than mere age.

The exchange of views reflects ongoing societal discourse regarding respect, tradition, and generational values. As Singh’s position gains traction, it remains to be seen how such discussions will influence traditional practices in contemporary Indian society.

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