A step in unison

Engineering may be the solution to build bridges across rivers,but emotional bridges need initiatives. One such initiative to bridge the gap between senior citizens and youngsters was taken by city based organisation Apan Sare of Pune Vidyarthee Griha and Helpage India. Alternately woven short plays depicting various common household dialogues between grandparents and grandchildren along with discussions by Manasi Upadhye representing the youngsters and Medha Sidhaye and Ramesh Barde putting forth the elderly views,Setu,that took place at Bharat Natya Mandir recently made available a platform to discuss the generation gap that has been the reason behind the ever increasing void between grandchildren and grandparents. While Dr Vasudev Paralikar and Dr Shobha Bhagwat unveiled the psychological aspects behind the strained relationships offering solutions to ease the dialogue,Siddharth Bendre of All India Radio anchored the event.

Commenting on the first play that depicted the young generation’s inclination towards pop music and the difficulties borne by elderly in the house,Sidhaye said,”Adjusting to the surroundings and dealing with the generation gap is something both the generations have to deal with. Acceptance of the situation,maturity,responsibility and righteousness need to be amalgamated in the right sense to bridge the gap between generations.”

The second play was about children’s intervention in the financial matters in the house. While some feel that is unnecessary,others may tag it over-maturity. Upadhye said,”Calculations never work in favour of relations. Mutual respect and trust are two factors,which youngsters as well as elderly people should practice. Youngsters can have a say in the matters provided the responsibilities they have towards the household are met equally by them.”

Stressing on the necessity of ease in relations ,Bhagwat said,”Maturity with age is expected out of all individuals. And once people of both generations have matured,the feeling of sacrifice or adjustment does not become the dominant thought while doing things for others.”

Beneath the harsh behaviour exists a stream of love and affection between both the generations and commenting on that Paralikar said,”Ego needs to be given up. Dominating the grandchildren on the basis of age and experience is a mentality elders should get rid of.”