Is it generation gap or do elders have a reason to be unhappy?

By Mehak Minocha

In the quiet corners of Indian homes, where echoes of bygone days still linger, elders bear witness to a world transformed. Some may call it generation gap, but amidst the rush of progress and change, the hearts of these elders ache with a subtle sorrow.

They see in today’s generation a reflection not just of youth’s exuberance, but also of traditions lost and values diluted. Their unhappiness stems not from disdain, but from a deep-seated yearning for the cherished customs and timeless virtues they fear may fade into oblivion.

For many elders like Mr. Pawan Aggrawal, a 74-year-old retired school principal from Karnal, success was once measured by the happiness and well-being of the family. Today, by seeing a shift towards individual achievement and material gains, he shares, “In our time, success meant having a happy family and contributing to society. Now, it seems to be all about personal ambition and wealth.”

Similarly, Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur, a 68-year-old homemaker from Punjab, expresses concerns about the erosion of cultural traditions and values and says, “I feel sad when I see our traditional festivals and rituals fading away. They were a source of joy and community bonding.”

Mrs. Rukmini Nair, an 81-year-old from Delhi, laments the diminishing value of patience and perseverance, and observes, “In our era, we appreciated that worthwhile achievements require time. Nowadays, it’s all about instant results.” She is clear that “True success comes with patience and hard work.”

In another realm, technology may have revolutionized communication, yet elders like Mr. Manmohan Rao, a 76-year-old grandfather from Haryana, perceive a downside. He reflects, “I notice my grandchildren engrossed in their phones more than in personal interactions. It feels as though we’ve lost the simple pleasure of conversing face-to-face.” His biggest worry is that the deep, meaningful connections that once defined relationships are being replaced by superficial digital interactions.

Mr. P. Ramesh Kumar, Assistant Professor at KCC Institute, Greater Noida, has similar worries. He says that though students may be adept at using technology, but there is a flipside too. His lament is that the very technology that is embodied in smartphones and social media has become Gen Z’s Achilles’ heel. “These multifunctional devices and addictive platforms have turned the youth into a distracted generation, isolated from genuine human connections,” he observes regretfully.

Let’s not dismiss these regrets as generation gap but treat them with the respect they deserve.

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