The generation of rootless trees
The union government is planning to bring out an act on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (2007) aimed at serving the elderly live in self-respect and peace. The government is also contemplating on penalizing children of senior citizens who do not offer care and support to them. They may have to face a jail term of three months to six months if they fail to meet the needs of their aging parents. The government is also willing to review the amount of contribution of Rs 10,000 to be made towards the expenses the parents would incur for their living. The law is awaiting the cabinet approval on this act that is a reflection of the weakening family system in the country.
The relationship of parents and children is bound by umbilical cord which is beyond the regulations of a law. No law tells the mother to feed her child. No mother takes care of the child for the fear of law. They do this because they love their children without any selfish motives. Even animals and birds protect their children.
In a country like ours, the family structure is based on such bonds and emotions. Ours was a country once known for joint family system. It also had a fair share of negatives too. There were hardly any situations where people would be brought to streets because one member wasn’t self sufficient or wasn’t able to support himself. The ancient root and the new sprouts would live together in one space. Now these families have broken down to smaller units. Yet parents living with children or one of their sons and daughters is not an unusual thing. And children have to take care of their parents the way they cared for them when they were small. This is not a favour they are doing to their parents, but a duty and a value one has to associate with the structure of the family. We cannot expect to have a sweet harvest by sowing seeds of bitter fruits.
More than this, the current generation has to change its opinion about its parents that they are ‘useless’ people living in the house. As is the root, so is the tree. If we do not see this truth, we may be in for a rude shock because this is exactly what our children will do to us in case of the inevitability of us getting old. If we are savouring the fruits of good economy and technology breakthroughs today, it is the result of the sacrifices our parents made for us. And throwing them out on the streets is to commit a heinous crime of turning back on our duty. They have the right to live with self respect as much as we do. And even senior citizens should overcome the inferiority and negative thoughts about themselves and their condition in case their children abandon them. In the event of them being thrown out on the road, the chances of them going to the court against their own children seeking justice, and being alive by the time they get a verdict – would be a rarest of rare occurrence. In the recent times, one aged couple went to court seeking mercy killing because their children had abandoned them. This is a stark and cruel reflection of what’s in the store for days to come.
Any act may not fully serve justice to the parents if they are wronged by their children. A son who does not care for his parents may not get his punishment only on the form of his time in the prison, but he may actually be abandoned by his own children as a poetic justice! With the increase in old age homes, senior citizens may be living a life with dignity. But they still remain the epitome of breakdown of human relationships. Men and women have to care for their parents without being told. This way, the new legislation the central government is going to enact is a highly appropriate and timely one. The society and government have to contemplate on ways of holding up the collapsing societal norms. The cracks in the relationships have to be filled with love, and if it becomes inevitable, a law should step in to do that job too.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
