The Devoted Son by Anita Desai

One of the most significant differences between Rakesh and his parents is their attitude towards religion. Rakesh's parents are devout Hindus, while Rakesh is more secular. He does not believe in the traditional Hindu gods and goddesses, and he does not follow the strict religious rituals that his parents do.

Another difference between Rakesh and his parents is their attitude towards family. Rakesh's parents believe that the family is the most important thing in life. They are very close to each other, and they always put the family's needs first. Rakesh, on the other hand, is more individualistic. He values his own happiness and independence above all else. He is also not as close to his parents as they are to him.

The differences between Rakesh and his parents also represent the changes that were taking place in Indian society. In the traditional Indian society, the family was the most important unit of society. Individuals were expected to subordinate their own needs to the needs of the family. However, in the modern Indian society, individuals are becoming more important. People are more likely to prioritize their own happiness and independence over the needs of the family.

The changes that Rakesh and his family represent are not unique to India. They are happening all over the world as societies modernize. As societies become more individualistic, people are more likely to abandon traditional values and customs in favor of Western ones.

Rakesh, the protagonist of Anita Desai's The Devoted Son, is a young man who is caught between two cultures: the traditional Indian culture of his parents and the modern Western culture in which he lives and works. His parents are devout Hindus who value family, tradition, and duty. Rakesh, on the other hand, is more secular and individualistic. He values his freedom and his own happiness above all else.

The differences between Rakesh and his parents represent the changes that were taking place in Indian culture in the mid-20th century. India had gained independence from Britain in 1947, and the country was undergoing a rapid modernization process. Many young Indians were abandoning traditional values and customs in favor of Western ones.