Life-style, values widening generation gap — speakers

Dimapur, July 16 (EMN): A one-day sensitisation programme on “Inter-generational bonding in college” was conducted on July 9 at Don Bosco College, Kohima. The programme was organised by National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, New Delhi, in collaboration with Integrated Rural Development and Educational Organisation – RRTC (Ageing) – NE, Wangbal Thoubal, Manipur, and Good Samaritan Women Society, Kohima.
Resource person and Managing Director of Kohima Old Age Home, Neithonuo Liegise, spoke on elderly care in modern society. She stated that with the advancement in medicine and science, there has been a rise in the population of older persons, adding it was expected that by 2050 older people will overtake the younger population.

She, therefore, stated that the younger generation should be aware and mentally prepared to accept the moral responsibility of taking care of the older persons in the family and society.

With modernisation and breaking down of traditions, she remarked that the good cultures where children devote time to their aging parents are replaced with emphasis on independence, individualism and self-reliance.

She suggested making effort to discover new values so that older individuals are bestowed honour in the society and take care of them in the family as they are the repositories of knowledge.

Dr. P Kilemsungla; former UPSC member, who spoke on “Generation gap and bonding,” stated that generation gap is rising at an alarming rate because of differences in terms of opinion values and life style between different age groups. She said the variances between the younger and older generations led to conflicts.

She also stated that rapid technological changes have impacted the ‘still widening’ generation gap much evidently than any other factor. According to her advancement in technology with introduction to social media has kept the young occupied. She said generational bonding also suffers with the immigration in search of livelihood, adding the dislocation often tends to lose the track of one’s identity.

In the midst of all these, she opined that communication is the best solution, as good communication is the base of any good relationship. She suggested honouring each other so that everyone’s voice is heard in decision making and that not one is overlooked.

In order to attain best understanding, she said clear boundaries and clear values should be put forward.
The programme was chaired by Kevitsono Shuya, GSWS coordinator, and Dr. Fr. P Suresh, Principal of Don Bosco College, Kohima, said the invocation.