Yes, there's a big difference. Atleast in our family.
My father was a spirited person. He gave us the greatest gift a parent could give a child - Reading. Not only was he a voracious reader himself, he would always make sure we have a huge collection of books at our disposal all times in the house - didn't matter that they were mostly used and tattered ones. And, he used to talk to us constantly when we were little. There would be debates on literature, science, philosophy, religion, travel - you name it. We have had discussions on just about everything. He loved it even more when we question on why's and how's and argue with him. To him, this was a sign of progress. Also, his sense of humor was unstoppable and infectious. Seriously.
My favorite quote of his - You have been given a brain. Use it.
My mother on the other hand always stayed out of these things and was always busy with household duties. Came time and when we grew older, she took charge. She is the most mature parent that a child could ever have. So forgiving and always giving others the benefit of doubt. I have never seen her bad-mouth anyone, anytime. She has been teaching us how to lead our life and even this day continues to do so. So strong and resolute that you would feel nothing can shake her. A monument of support. And, always positive and looking at brighter side of things.
My favorite quote of hers - No situation remains the same for ever. Everything changes. Just wait.
Not going to have a debate on religion, this would be only an academic curiosity here. So, please don't throw any "stone bytes" on me, folks. We just finished reading briefly about Darwin's evolution theory as a part of our homeschool science. Simply put, this theory means that we have all descended from a common ancestor and through successive genetic accumulation, spread everywhere. You must have heard of too many apes and the chimps joke which are too stale to throw in here, so i'll hold them back for later use. In India, all science books across the country dutifully follow the evolution theory, probably because most of these books are published in the United Kingdom where Darwin came from. On a related topic, the 'Darwin centre' at the Natural History Museum, London is a must-visit (my own plug here, free service). Back to my question - how does a majority Hindu country like India which also believes in the Trinity theory (Brahma -the Creator, Vishnu ...