A generation at a crossroads

The Hindu

3 days ago

I belong to a generation born in the early sixties, a time of great social and cultural change. Those of us born in the fifties and sixties find ourselves at a crossroads, perplexed by the rapid pace of transformation in the world around us. We are a unique breed, having spent our formative as well as youthful years in the twentieth century and now navigating the sunset years in the threshold of the twenty-first century.
During this transitional period, we witnessed profound changes that have reshaped the world beyond recognition. The pace of change was dizzying, leaving our generation struggling to adapt. Life has become pretty hectic.
Growing up in an era that was both human-centric and eco-centric, we were raised under the guidance of our parents, grandparents, and siblings. Our elders wielded authority, and we were taught to obey and respect them. Our childhood was a vibrant tapestry of friendships, social interactions, and community bonds.
However, the turn of the century and the new millennium have upended our values and traditions. As our children left to pursue better lives in distant lands, we were left to face the challenges of aging alone. Our homes, once filled with laughter and warmth, now stand empty and deserted, an eerie silence reverberates.
The contrast between our modest upbringing and the opulent lifestyle of the younger generation is stark. We, who were accustomed to a minimalist lifestyle, watch with a mix of dismay and resignation as the millennials and Gen Z indulge in a life of unrestrained luxury. We refrain from offering advice, fearful of being met with indifference or even hostility.
Though our youthful years were spent in penury and hardship, we had a rich social life that endeared us to everyone in our village. During our student days, we had no electricity and learned our lessons under the faint glow of kerosene lamps. Few of us had more than two set of clothes, most of us travelled barefoot as footwear was then a luxury. Most of us began our schooling with a broken slate and stubs of pencils, which served as our prized writing tools. Despite these humble beginnings, we thoroughly enjoyed our school life. On rainy days, we waded through knee-deep waters together, sharing laughter, lessons, and quarrels. We learned the art of sharing while exchanging stubs of pencils and a few precious drops of ink with the friend sitting nearby.
Many a child from poor families came to school, enticed by the free noon meal. We were oblivious to our caste and class distinctions. In contrast, our children today have access to all modern amenities, yet they often feel lonely, rarely socialising with friends and relatives. From a tender age, they are taught to view their classmates as competitors and potential rivals, rather than friends.
Petty squabbles over trivial matters were common in families. However, elders would intervene, suggesting solutions that the warring parties obeyed unquestioningly. An air of unadulterated love and affection prevailed. We followed a eudaimonic lifestyle, vastly different from today's, which often prioritises immediate gratification of needs and desires. For many, life has become a self-imposed exile, isolating them from society and often leading to emotional distress. The unusually long and unearthly working times have taken a heavy toll on their emotional health and mental well-being. The unprecedented rise in suicide rates serves as a grim reminder of the growing disillusionment among educated youth.
In the past, despite deprivation, people enjoyed life, deriving pleasure from simple things. Modern life has been a cultural shock for the older generations, who lived contentedly with meagre resources. They had aspirations, but set boundaries, even for their dreams.
The pandemic, which struck unexpectedly, kept many senior citizens confined to home, thereby curtailing freedom of movement and livelihood. For many, the lack of adequate social security measures made this confinement more severe than the pandemic itself. The elderly faced untold hardships, struggling to survive in their twilight years. A generation that had toiled to build the nation we inhabit today was subjected to extreme cruelty. Meanwhile, the younger generation, beset by its own problems, lacks the time and patience to care for ailing and aging parents and grandparents.
In today's world, where material wealth abounds, we often find ourselves devoid of life's true pleasures and happiness. Ironically, our ancestors, who possessed fewer worldly goods, lived more fulfilling lives. As our lives become increasingly luxurious, happiness seems to elude us. This paradox is starkly illustrated by the alarming rise in suicide rates in recent years, highlighting the disconnect between wealth and happiness.
The arrival of electricity transformed the villager's life in ways never imagined. It paved the way for the evolution of a peaceful village into a vibrant and bustling city. The advent of modern amenities like cars, bikes, TVs, ACs and others has transformed our lives. The smartphone is arguably the most significant 21st-century invention, revolutionising and reshaping human existence. With a gentle touch on the mobile screen, it is possible to communicate with the world, conduct banking transactions, learn new skills, and conduct business from the comfort of home. Life has never been simpler. Yet, ironically, we find ourselves starving for love, recognition, respect, support, and happiness — the very things we once enjoyed freely.
The social concepts of family, marriage and motherhood have undergone significant changes in recent years. As joint families disintegrated, nuclear families emerged. Today, the traditional notion of family has further fragmented, leaving homes that once buzzed with shared lives now reduced to isolated individuals living separate existences. They remain insensitive to the feelings of others. The emotional impact of this shift is enormous.
In contrast, our forefathers and foremothers lived simpler lives, finding joy despite hardships. They maintained physical and mental health through physically demanding work and nurturing relationships. Their secret to happiness lay in hard work, sincere connections, and celebrating life surrounded by loved ones.
Until a few years ago, I couldn't have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that things would take such a drastic turn in such an unimaginable way. In this game of generational chaos, the survivors are those who can adapt and turn the tide to their advantage. In the distant past, mutual help and support enabled our ancestors to navigate life's complexities effectively and admirably. Compromises and sacrifices made their relationships meaningful. They shared their pangs and pleasures, delights and disappointments, with equanimity. In those bygone decades, we had elders in our family who served as pillars of support, allowing us to unburden ourselves of life's stresses and struggles. Unfortunately, we no longer have such supportive figures in our lives, with whom we can share the severe trauma and suffering we experience.
It's not my intention to glorify bygone days or denigrate the present moment. Undoubtedly, we're on a wonderful journey in a world abundant with worldly comforts. What we miss, however, are the pleasures stemming from interpersonal relationships, mutual respect, and friendships that formed the foundation of a happy life. Slowly, I realise that this new century and the new millennium do not belong to me. We, the 20th century denizens, are indeed destined to live the remainder our lives in borrowed time alongside Gen Z and millennials who are in a rat-race to eke out a living for themselves and their loved ones, if they have them.
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