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Good morning. Are you just an 'asset of the state' - like an entry in a ship's manifest? That was the justification used by two parents in Tower Hamlets who refused to register the birth of their son. They believe in personal sovereignty and want to protect their child from being controlled by a state they perceive as "authoritarian and capricious'. However, this week, Justice Hayden ruled they must follow the law and that it's in the child's best interests to "be recognised as a citizen and entitled to the benefits of such citizenship." This raises the age-old debate about individuality and society. The Hindu view is that we are indeed individuals - but individuals who are defined in terms of our responsibilities - or dharma - towards the rest of society. Any analysis of this is unavoidably complex. But, last month I heard one Hindu theologian offer a fascinating interpretation of the traditional Hindu hand gesture with the two palms pressed together that's used in greeting or offering respects to someone. The analogy suggests that the four fingers on our left hand represent the four sets of needs of the various members of society. And, the fingers of the right hand are the respective leadership responsibilities related to each of these needs. For instance, the first finger represents educators and spiritual mentors who guide us towards progress, learning and enlightenment. They facilitate not only advancement in knowledge and technology - but also in wisdom to cope with our ever-increasing capabilities. The next finger is governance which delivers safety and stability through defence and law and order - and more, enabling us to live with peace of mind in a fair and just society. Then, business and commercial leaders should ensure abundance and success: abundance of the material resources we rely on for food, shelter and other necessities; and success in employment by engaging people according to their skills and talents. But, for Hindu sociology, the fourth finger signifies the crucial role for each of us to assume personal leadership and to support each other through community engagement and service; to nurture unity, a sense of belonging and shared love within our families and broader society. This hand gesture with opposite fingers connecting one another symbolises the four leadership roles meeting their respective obligations. Hence, it's a blessing for all society. Then, there're the thumbs. Years ago, I remember one teacher asking us to pick up a book using only our fingers. Now, he said, take help from your thumb. In this analogy, thumbs represent the need for ultimate purpose on one hand; and are fulfilled in contact with the Divine on the other.