In my childhood, much like many other Indians, my maternal grandmother would narrate the epic tale of the Ramayana to me. Rama, revered as a god, epitomized unwavering dedication to upholding honour, ideals, and timeless traditions. He ventured into the unforgiving depths of the forest, enduring its hardships and perils for a formidable fourteen years, undeterred by suffering, all to uphold his father Dasaratha’s word of honour to his stepmother, Kekayi. This narrative served as a cornerstone for instilling family values in young minds. Perhaps, in recounting this tale, every grandmother perceives a glimpse of Rama in her grandchildren. However, reality often diverges. Even in the era of the Mahabharata, where we encounter familial discord and rivalry among cousins, yet respect for elders endured. Despite instances where grandparents or uncles met tragic ends at the hands of their own kin, ostensibly in pursuit of righteousness (Dharma), the reverence for elders persisted.
Legends echo tales such as Asoka’s rise to power, marked by fratricide, or the contentious demise of Maharana Kumbha, purportedly at the hands of his son, Udaysimha (Uday Singh I) (although historical accounts vary). The essence I seek to convey lies in the contrast between the lofty standards set by figures like Sri Rama and the stark realities of human frailty.
The allure of material wealth and power often veers individuals, particularly within royal circles, from idealistic paths. Greed, manifested as “Jara” (Wealth), “Joru” (Power struggles among women), and “Zamin” (Control of Land Resources), leads to moral compromises. Yet, traditional rural and semi-urban societies, bound by close-knit communal ties and upheld by time-honoured Berardi heads and Panchayats, maintained a sense of collective responsibility. Arranged marriages were fortified by societal pressures, and the duty to care for aging parents was ingrained.
Even during times of crisis, such as the pre-partition era or post-partition upheavals, extended families rallied to support one another. However, the tide of urbanization, materialism, and nuclear family structures has eroded these foundations. With migration to cities for economic opportunities, traditional values have waned. The patriarchal expectation of sons caring for aging parents has yielded to desires for independence, straining familial bonds.
Urban middle-class ethos now prioritizes wealth accumulation over ancestral wisdom, relegating moral teachings to mere relics. The enactment of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007 acknowledges the growing need to safeguard the elderly. Yet, legislative measures alone cannot rectify the moral bankruptcy afflicting society. Immediate relief for neglected seniors must transcend bureaucratic hurdles.
It is estimated that by 2050, the proportion of senior population in India will double from current 10 percent to 20 percent. Thu, a holistic approach is important. Some of the suggestions are given below:
Reinstating Cultural Education: Schools should impart moral and cultural values alongside academic pursuits, drawing from diverse traditions and narratives.
Promoting Social Responsibility: Mandatory social service initiatives should include aiding seniors, fostering empathy and compassion among youth.
Establishing Senior Care Infrastructure: A dedicated fund for senior care facilities and services, coupled with specialized tribunals to speedily address their needs, is essential.
Ultimately, as the demographic landscape shifts and the elder population burgeons, it falls upon the working generation to honour the legacy of familial bonds and ensure the well-being of our seniors.
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