2 young educators regret negativity around elders

By Manav Taunk

Mr. Aniket Prakash, 35, and Mr. Ashwini Kumar, 29, share similar backgrounds and professions. Both teach at senior secondary schools and own educational institutions—The Master Academy and Scholars Academy, respectively. Despite their success, they express deep regret over society’s stereotypes and treatment of the elderly.

“The modern society considers them outdated and meaningless, treating them negatively,” Mr. Kumar states with frustration. He is particularly concerned about elders being sent to old age homes by their children, viewing this as a societal failure. “Children and the society who do not value their parents when they get old are a liability,” he emphasizes. Mr. Prakash concurs, “Old people deserve respect. But we fail them.”

The educators place part of the blame on the current education system. “Schools don’t teach students the importance of respecting their parents and grandparents,” says Mr. Prakash. Mr. Kumar adds, “In the days of the ‘Gurukul’ system, education stressed both academic and cultural values. Today, such values are rarely taught.”

The two firmly believe that elders are the building blocks of society. “They have wisdom and experience and should mentor the younger generation,” they assert.

Both educators take pride in the values and traditions instilled by their parents. “These values give me strength and confidence to deal with the world,” Mr. Kumar says. He recalls his father’s advice on the importance of work: “My father told me that a person is known by his work, and I follow this with absolute sincerity.”

They acknowledge their parents’ support during tough times. Mr. Prakash shares, “My parents have provided me with all the facilities I needed at the right time and helped me grow. They are my belief system, and I carry the values and beliefs they’ve taught me. Every day, I strive to learn more from them.”

Mr. Kumar too credits his parents for his life success, stating, “Their role in my life is crucial. Whatever I am today is because of them. Without their belief in me, it would have been very difficult to face this world. As a teacher, I now try to impart these values to the younger generation.”

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The pain of watching your grandparents age, become frail, helpless
Life isn’t over till it’s actually over: Revisiting my grandmothers’ life journey
3 Elders share moments that gave them joy, and moments they regret