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.