ROOTS BEFORE BRANCHES ROOTS BEFORE BRANCHES AMessage on Preserving Our Culture Culture is not just a set of customs it's our identity, our roots, and the values that have shaped who we are for generations. It's the way we speak to our elders, the festivals we celebrate, the respect we hold for traditions, and the moral compass that guides our daily lives India, and many parts of the East, have always been known for strong family values, respect for nature, spiritual depth, and a way of living that focused more on we than me. These values took centuries to build passed on like sacred stories from one generation to the next. But today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. With the rapid rise of Western influences through media, fashion, lifestyle, and even relationships we are slowly moving away from our own identity. There's nothing wrong in learning or adopting good things from other cultures. Growth requires openness. But growth without roots leads to collapse. We are becoming more connected online, but less connected to our own families We're chasing trends, but forgetting traditions. We're speaking global languages, but sometimes feel shy to speak our mother tongue. Culture is lie a tree. It takes years to grow patiently, with care but can be chopped down in minutes if not protected. A tree without strong roots cannot survive storms. Likewise, a society without its culture cannot stand strong in the face of