M A I L B A G

Children must take care of their parents

The editorial “When being old is a curse” is a sad reminder to those who have scant regard for their aged parents. It is the moral and legal obligation of the children to give them a caring hand and the love they desperately need in their old age. Generation gap is no plea for keeping them aloof.

The aged parents, on their part, should cultivate a flexible attitude and be partners to the smooth running of the family. They must realise the multifarious activities of their sons and daughters and not indulge in criticism. They must abstain from poking their nose in their affairs.

In his lifetime, a man can get back his lost wife and children, but never his parents. Our hearts must beat for the elderly. Caring of the disadvantaged, aged persons and improving their quality of life is a noble cause. The solution lies in making children aware of their responsibilities towards their aged parents.

Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

II

Negligence of parents by sons and daughters is common these days. Trilochan Singh Trewn’s middle (The Tribune, June 23, 2005) mentions how the father of a VIP was left in loneliness to rot.

In this highly materialistic world, the children have forgotten to perform their duty towards their old parents. With the collapse of the joint family system, this has become materialistic and he (she) wants to have all comforts of the world.

As in Himachal Pradesh, every state should have its laws against such callous behaviour of children. Social organisations should launch a drive against errant wards and make them aware of their responsibility.

BANSI RAM, Chakhajipur (Hoshiarpur)

III

The Tribune is always in the forefront to show the path to society and to the misguided younger generation. The western culture has overshadowed our culture. The young have no respect for their old parents. In the joint family system, all the family members used to respect the elders and their sentiments. Now the picture is entirely different as the old are left to fend for themselves. They deserve some words of affection that cost nothing.

The states have to take concrete legal steps to make their future secure as they have the right to life. An effective legislation may help them to heave a sigh of relief in the evening of their life. Financial cover is a must for old destitutes.

NACHHATTAR SINGH MALHAN, Sirsa

IV

I fully endorse the view in the editorial “When being old is a curse” that the aged and the infirm have no where to go and hence need social security. Their children should also take proper care of them. I am also aged and infirm, being a paralytic-stroke patient. Some children do not neglect the aged. Our country is a thickly populated country. The aged should keep their mind strong.

The problem can be tackled at three levels — by legislation, the children and the aged themselves. We are vulnerable in our twilight years. The government should announce a suitable social security scheme for the aged.

DASUYA PARTAP SINGH, Kainthan

V

Given the pace of deterioration of values among the youth, one can easily judge what one should expect from the sons of the present generation. Ironically, it is the extra care, love and VIP status bestowed upon the sons which make them a cause of constant agony and pain for aging parents.

I guess Ram Chand has no living daughter. Had he one, she should in no case have allowed her father to be eaten by ants and die of hunger and cold.

MANJITINDER SINGH JOHAL, Mandiani (Ludhiana)

VI

Lack of emotional support from the family rather than economic factors cause more agony and mental tension for the old. But does financial security help fulfill all other needs? The experiences of many aged parents point to the contrary.

If anything, their experiences should be eye-opener for the children to realise a sense of responsibility towards the old parents. For, one day they too have to pass through this stage.

Times have changed. The wise words of Horace, the great Greek poet, are still relevant: “The virtue of parents is a great dowry”.

P.L. SETHI, Patiala