Samita Prakash
The erosion of respect and dignity for aging parents in India is a complex issue that demands immediate attention. While we cherish the beauty of the combined family system, we must not turn a blind eye to the exceptions that tarnish this tradition. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our elders are treated with the love, care, and respect they deserve. By promoting awareness, strengthening the legal framework, fostering intergenerational bonds, and engaging the youth in advocacy, we can strive to uphold the values that have long defined Indian society.
In the tapestry of Indian society, the concept of the combined family has been a cherished tradition for generations. It is a beautiful arrangement where three or even four generations coexist under one roof, sharing their joys, sorrows, and responsibilities. The warmth of this system is unparalleled, as it fosters a strong sense of unity and togetherness. However, beneath this seemingly idyllic picture, there lurks a darker issue – the erosion of respect and dignity for aging parents.
In India, where there is no robust social security system for the elderly, parents often rely heavily on their children for support during their twilight years. Traditionally, children were expected to care for their parents as a sacred duty, a moral obligation ingrained in the very fabric of the culture. It was a reciprocal arrangement where parents invested their life’s earnings and wisdom in their children, who, in turn, took care of their parents in old age. This mutually beneficial relationship ensured the well-being of the entire family.
In the traditional joint family setup, the elders were revered as the pillars of wisdom. Their presence and guidance were invaluable, shaping the values and character of the younger generation. Grandparents played a pivotal role in nurturing the family’s cultural heritage, imparting traditional knowledge, and fostering a sense of belonging.
However, the winds of change have swept through Indian society. The digital age has ushered in a new generation of youngsters who, while connected to the world through the internet, seem to be losing touch with their roots. Respect for elders, once considered sacrosanct, is increasingly becoming a casualty. The rat race of modern life often leaves little time for familial bonds, and the importance of elders is sometimes overlooked or forgotten.
In this changing landscape, some heart-wrenching exceptions have emerged. There are instances where children, who have been nurtured and supported by their parents, choose to mistreat them in their old age. The very people who were once the centre of their world are now subjected to emotional neglect and abuse.
One of the contributing factors to this issue is the financial dependence of aging parents. Many elderly individuals, often with limited knowledge of managing finances, entrust their savings and assets to their children, believing that they will be taken care of. Tragically, some unscrupulous individuals exploit this trust for personal gain, leaving their parents destitute and vulnerable.
So, what can be done to address this disturbing trend and ensure the respect and dignity of aging parents?
- Promoting Awareness: The first step is to raise awareness about this issue. Society needs to recognize that the mistreatment of elders is a grave problem that cannot be ignored. Initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and media campaigns can play a vital role in spreading awareness.
- Counselling and Mediation: Establishing counselling centres and mediation services for family disputes can be instrumental in resolving conflicts within families. Trained professionals can help bridge the gap between generations and find amicable solutions.
- Legal Safeguards: The legal framework should be strengthened to protect the rights and interests of aging parents. Laws should be enacted or amended to ensure that parents are not subjected to financial exploitation or emotional abuse.
- Promoting Intergenerational Bonds: Schools and educational institutions can incorporate programs that emphasize the importance of respecting elders and preserving family values. Storytelling sessions by grandparents can be encouraged to bridge the generation gap.
- Support Networks: Communities can establish support networks for the elderly, providing them with companionship, healthcare, and emotional support when their own families fail them.
- Youth-Led Awareness Campaigns: NGOs, children’s groups, youth societies, student bodies, and social media platforms can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of respecting and caring for aging parents. Engaging the youth in campaigns that highlight the value of intergenerational relationships can be a game-changer. The tech-savvy younger generation can leverage social media to spread the message far and wide.
After all, the true measure of a society’s progress is in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
