Indian society from good old times has had a very well laid
out responsibility division. Surprisingly it’s very fair, time tested and
charity from home. Three generations exist concurrently in any family. The
aged; the new born and the earner.
The earner
helps parents and grandparents in their old age with emotional support and
dignified living. The basic need is emotional- making them feel wanted;
respecting their views and some time and of course health related issues which
can be financially draining at times. The elderlies can be good stress busters
and share lots of sweet memories giving immense joy. This is what the modern
western management experts are calling quality time. We always had it but it’s
vanishing in most of the families.
The younger
generation needs caring, value imparting, narrating tales and counselling,
friend; partner in joyful fooling around till children are small. As they grow
up, become more self-dependent and can look after themselves, their need
continuum keeps changing. Crucial growing up years need close supervision and
value infusion, if done properly; internal personality becomes strong enough to
face any challenge later in life. Grandparents can contribute very immensely as
parents are too busy with cores of life. The growing up years and kids antiques
are what one can call bliss and joy. The bond which gets developed is a
lifetime joy; this is what the experts from west are calling quality time.
Small kids
glued to I pads/TV is routine in most of urban families. Rather than spend time
playing with the child give him I- pad and he is busy with games and cartoons
enabling parents to do their jobs. At times it may be chat on what’s app or
responding on facebook. Elderlies too glued to TV seeing religious channels and
serials throughout the day to pass time. This is perhaps one of the most
regressive activities leading to brain decay cum body atrophy and life style
diseases.
Crèches and
old age is the most serious symptom of this disease, where all three
generations have split and suffering helplessly. Kids are being abused when
they need to be showered with love. No servants/nanny’s’ how well qualified can
replace grandparents caring capacity. Elderlies relocated to old age homes are
a pathetic state. Scene is akin to crèche, being looked after by paid staff,
where is the question of care and love. One feels sad to see parents who
struggled and have struggle-tales worth that of hero, but rotting as helpless
sick people waiting daily for their turn to take off for the next world. Pathetic
sight.
We copied
the stupid idea of materialistic greedy ethos and are chasing money at the cost
of enjoying the beautiful journey of life. Acquiring bigger, costlier and /or
prestigious – houses; cars; white goods; mobiles; schools; tours; restaurants
leading to immense stress and strain devastatingly impacting finances,
relationships and health.
Aping west
blindly is a folly. Science of Western world and values of India give humanity
the best way forward. All of us hurling into this state with devastating
consequences need to pause and reconsider and if convinced undertake midcourse
correction.
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