India’s soul has always been rooted in values like respect for parents and honoring elders. Yet, in recent years, disturbing images and videos have surfaced on social media—showing sons and daughters beating their own elderly parents. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a deeper social crisis that demands our attention.
Why is this happening?
There are multiple layers behind these heartbreaking events, each reflecting the changing fabric of our society:
- Economic Pressure and Dependency Rising unemployment, inflation, and financial insecurity have created immense stress within families. When elderly parents depend on pensions or property, that very dependency sometimes becomes the source of conflict.
- Rising unemployment, inflation, and financial insecurity have created immense stress within families. When elderly parents depend on pensions or property, that very dependency sometimes becomes the source of conflict.
- Erosion of Cultural Values In earlier times, joint families ensured that elders were respected and cared for. But with urbanization and the rise of nuclear families, many elderly people are left isolated. The traditional spirit of
- In earlier times, joint families ensured that elders were respected and cared for. But with urbanization and the rise of nuclear families, many elderly people are left isolated. The traditional spirit of seva bhav (service and devotion) is slowly fading.
- Mental Health and Stress The younger generation faces overwhelming pressure from work, careers, and social expectations. Anger and frustration often spill over onto the most vulnerable members of the household—the elderly.
- The younger generation faces overwhelming pressure from work, careers, and social expectations. Anger and frustration often spill over onto the most vulnerable members of the household—the elderly.
- Weak Legal and Social Safeguards India does have laws to protect senior citizens, but awareness and enforcement remain minimal. Many elders suffer in silence, too afraid or ashamed to report abuse.
- India does have laws to protect senior citizens, but awareness and enforcement remain minimal. Many elders suffer in silence, too afraid or ashamed to report abuse.
- India does have laws to protect senior citizens, but awareness and enforcement remain minimal. Many elders suffer in silence, too afraid or ashamed to report abuse.
It’s not just an elderly issue
These incidents reveal a larger truth: compassion and empathy are diminishing in our society. When we fail to respect our own parents, it signals a moral decline that affects everyone.
The Way Forward
- Families must revive dialogue and empathy at home.
- Government and society must strengthen helplines, shelters, and legal protections for the elderly.
- Education and media should emphasize values, sensitivity, and respect for elders.
Conclusion
Elder abuse is not just personal violence—it is a wound on our collective conscience. We must remember: the very hands that once held us in childhood should never be humiliated. If India wants to preserve its soul, we must ensure dignity, respect, and safety for our elders.
