Bridging the Generation Gap

We are facing the generation gap problems among individuals, families, neighborhoods, and society at large. Many a time, we do not reflect upon what actually is happening when problems arise, but just go on blaming one another without going into the basic issues. Without addressing them to the core, these issues create differences between generations and cause conflict and create a gap. This gap can also be frustrating between the young and the old and separates them in their thinking and approach to issues.

Families are getting divided and family edifice shattered, nowadays, more often than not, for various reasons. Normally the generation gap is perceived as gap in understanding, perceiving, thinking, etc., by the seniors in relation to the juniors in families. This may be true to some extent because of the worldly experience of the seniors, but may not be always true. The matters vary from issue to issue. It is possible that the seniors may be wrong in their assessment, even though with their wide experience, because they may be out of touch with the reality as compared to the next generation. The seniors must, therefore, give some space to the next generation and understand the issues from the latter’s point of view. The younger generation is more exposed to world situations now, as compared to the seniors. In fact the world view is fast changing; no one is able to keep pace with the scenario. The generation gap is not between just two generations, the gap can also be between the various age groups of current generation.

Family, as a unit in our social structure, plays a key role in formulating values. The seniors have inherited certain core values from their ancestors. This is like a chain. The good values should not be shattered in the process of this disintegration. The aim of the seniors should be to inculcate the proper value system to the next generation. Hence they should never resort to any shortcuts in life for achieving certain aims, nor indulge in malpractices. The younger generation will have faith in seniors if they see them as examples to follow.

The young should understand that there definitely exists generation gap and they should communicate with seniors keeping this factor in view. Dealing with issues calmly solves many problems. This is where spirituality or God-realization helps a person, be it senior or junior. If we calm down our minds, the communication becomes clear, sober, and with meaning. The ego will be erased. A platform is created for exchange of views and ideas. In most of the problem cases, the analysis is done later. By that time irreparable damage is done.

We have innumerable examples in our Mythology to prove that knowledge is not the prerogative of the seniors. Just to illustrate a few, Lord Ganesha became Guru to Brahma and so Lord Kartik to Shiva, apart from the story of Prahlad(son) and Hiranyakashipu(father). In all these cases, the young lads are presented with outstanding knowledge and wisdom. The story of Druva is another example. More important, their fathers accepted the fact, except in the case of Hiranyakashipu, where he did not understand his son till the last. Therefore, knowledge and wisdom are not the prerogatives of any particular person. They are independent of the age factor.

Any worship of God is good for purification of oneself. Prayers are necessary. But, along with these, we must evolve ourselves into good human beings and ensure that the family is devoid of conflicts and rifts. If each one of us takes care of our own families better by not having conflicts, we will have a wonderful society of people, enthused and energetic. Many health-related problems, as a fallout, also can be avoided. And these things are possible and within one’s own reach. For these qualities, we need not go to universities and acquire degrees. They are inherent in every human being. Only thing is that we have to invoke them and put them into practice. So, let us all unite together in this process; ensure that the generation gap is replaced with generation chain bristled with divine qualities and make our society a better place to live in.

 SASIN TIPCHAI