Old Age Homes??!!

Recently I read an article in Aval Vikatan about writer Rajam Krishnan, one of the famous writers in Tamil Nadu. Though I haven’t read most/any of her stories, I have heard of her and how much renowned she is for her writings. Being a women and gaining fame is not an easy one, especially in India and during her time period; she’s now 83yrs old. This woman is now in an Old Age Home, I was totally scandalized reading this; and was wondering what’s happening with everyone in India. Though this woman has no offspring, she has been deceived by her relatives. Now I doubt, despite being a writer, how can she be so ignorant? Wasn’t there a single person in her relatives who are civilized?

This article made me think about the present situation of old age people in India. Though we can be happy that there are so many altruistic people in India who have started Old Age homes or volunteering to help these homes; it’s a hard core fact that we have started loosing our long held values of humanity and compassion. People have started experiencing the taste of individual family system. Though it tastes good, there is a hitch to it. Kids are deficient of the love of their grandparents. Remember our golden days of childhood? Perhaps should I say our parent’s childhood, for the reason that some of us wouldn’t have experienced this? We lived with our grandparents, who taught us the principles/ standards/ ethics/culture... call whatever you want. And all these were taught with simple short stories and of their own experience as well, which were exciting. The most important part is we used to hear the same stories multiple times on a routine, but never been weary. Everyone in the family used to share the work and their experiences, which provides a great input for all in the family. The man/woman who grows up from this childhood, have great values in them and know what it is to respect the elders and take care of them. But nowadays, I should say at least in the past couple of decades, since growing up with grandparents/uncles/aunties has reduced tremendously, children or those who have lost this wonderful experience do not understand about sharing and caring. All they learn is just to earn for themselves, enjoy life for themselves. This is a great curse for them and the society as well. They don’t simply realize WYGisWYG (What You Give is What You Get). Simple solutions can be given as to start living back with grandparents. But in today’s lifestyle this may not be possible to a greater extent for all, but a small change can be instigated, like taking the kids to grandparents whenever there is a holiday or festival. Adults should respect their parents/in-laws, which would automatically implant these values in the kids, who just grow by looking at the adults. Looks like I’m so serious about the topic, but this is really a welcome change in India. This would not only reduce the old age homes, but also the crime levels in the society. Kids who grow up individually and does not learn to share, start doing crimes when they are not able to achieve something in life. Let me bring to a close here and leave it to your thoughts. Wish to have a brighter future for all individuals as well as our country.

Gandhi Jayanthi!!

As India celebrated 139th birth anniversary of Gandhi, few questions keep popping into my mind.

• Do we really know the history of this great man or the country?
• Have we really understood the sacrifices he has made to earn freedom for the country and pay gratitude for his efforts? Paying gratitude does not mean just hoisting a flag on his day, distributing sweets and playing the anthem.
• Are we inculcating in our children about this man and thus forth the history of the country?

I would wager the answer is NO. India might be on its way to become a well developed nation in terms of technology and economy, but the truth is we are already far from our culture and history. Apart from Indians, I have seen no other citizen criticizing their country without having done anything for the country. Alas, this is a great shame on us. I feel like we have lost the values that our ancestors had. The legendary saying “Ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country” had almost been forgotten by today’s generation, not just today’s but for the past 50years I would say. We effortlessly blame the government for this and that whereas we don’t take the responsibility for anything. I remember a kids program telecasted here in the US wherein the head of the house keeps posting complaints about the road in their city and all he receives is “Will be taken care of” statements. After several attempts and getting annoyed with these statements and delay, he decides to stand for the Mayor election himself. Once he nominates himself for the post, he starts receiving phone calls and letters and personal visits, not to wish him for the election, but about various things that needs to be repaired and fixed. Now he’s gets really fed up, starts empathizing the Mayor’s job and realizes it isn’t that straightforward to be a Mayor and there are other issues at priority than his own. He also understands everyone should take care of their own community to the extent they can to have a better living place and decisively withdraws from the election. He also forms a committee and becomes the head of it to take care of the community. This is a sweet story for kids wherein the emphasis is “we should care for our community/city/country”. What a well said story for the kids? Do we have these kinds of stories/programs for kids in our country? All we have is Sakthimaan and Power Rangers which are dangerous for them.
I feel it’s high time, that the younger parents and the younger generation should take an oath to themselves, to cultivate the habit of respecting our country, history, culture and ancestors who have struggled for the freedom of our country. This cannot be just an oath, but should be a practice/living in ourselves. This way we can make sure we give a healthy generation in all terms for the country and no doubt India will become a VALLARASU NAADU by 2020.
Jai Hind!!

Welcome!!

Well to start with my first blog, I should say first writing, yes this is my first public writing in my lifetime, I'm not sure of what to write. But fervently wanted to write something. Thanks to my friends G3's, yes it's actually 2 G3's who inspired me for reading and writing. And here I'm with my first blog. Bear with my rudimentary writing and leave your comments. Catch you soon...Have a great day!!