Incredible India!
Photo courtesy: welcomenri
Today, you won't recognize the place. It has developed into a busy town.
But during 80's this place was happier, cooler and pleasant.
Each plant ,weed or trees seemed happy with their own unique flowers
and fruits.
People were innocently happy. Festivals had a special charm as people
open heartedly indulged in merrymaking.
How a child looses his/her innocence? I think when he is
exposed to rough and complicated experiences.
My childhood was confined to my school, cousins and my friends
at the neighborhood.
That Asoka tree with big branches at my neighborhood, I remember ,
always had flowers...... and why not? They say that Asoka blossoms
at the touch of "Kanya" (virgin).
Sounds funny right? But it's an old belief better not to question it!
It is an important tree in the cultural traditions of the Indian
subcontinent and adjacent areas.)
Me and my 4 girl friends along with my little brother played under
this tree.
We children made the model of temples and decorated
the stone deity with wild flowers.
There was a pond and lots of different varieties of mango trees.
During summer vacations,we used to get three different varieties
of mangoes.
Saraca Asoca (Ashoka Tree)
But I realize now that I always had an inner world,
much more colorful where I pretended myself to be different
characters from my favorite stories.
I had my own secret place in the backyard of my house among
the coconut trees.
Near the Bamboo and the pineapple bushes I discovered a strange
tree with white trunk. I felt the place had a mystical charm.
I chose the place to sit and dream.
During November or early December, the place got dried up,
the wind was fierce, the leaves were rustling.
I had no objective dreams.
I enjoyed those days in ways that today's children can never fathom.
We had the sense of existence of nature and of the super power
that controls us.
Today human beings have forgotten the Nature and consider
themselves as creators of their own destiny. People want "big things"
now a days; but inside all are empty ,frustrated. You will know this from
their pretentious nature and from the topics they choose to converse.
The nature even has turned unpredictable. November wind which used to
be the characteristic of my place, has subsided.
Monsoon is uncertain and untimely. Roads are crammed with vehicles.
People are competing with each other, temples are crowded with
grabby people who have come to please the God to get their work done.
Incredible India!!!
When the parents are minding their own business, we can not blame
the young generation getting perverted.It's shocking to know that in the
God's own country, using drugs is so common, even available near
schools.
It's a mockery that alcohol is banned here. School children buy
the narcotic gum and parents are unable to find out.
Strict law should be enforced to stop the selling of these substances
and anyone violating this must get dreadful punishment.
Today, children step into adulthood so fast without
enjoying the bliss of innocence.
What can we do to protect this young generation from these
social malice?
1. Primary schools can give strong awareness programs using movies
or any audio visual methods. We must enforce the values in children
at very young age.
2. Make groups and let school children make skits or dramas on
alcoholism and drug abuse.
3. Reward and appreciate those children who work for this good cause
so that others too get inspired.
4. Restrict the pocket money and try to keep good communication
with your teenager, as often as possible. Little bit of love and care
can do wonders.
5. Last suggestion is really tough to implement : include one subject
in the academics to provide insight and awareness about spirituality.
Let our children live an insightful life rather than giving way to
momentary pleasures!
But now one question remains.
Who's responsible for all these degradation in values????? As a social
being none of us can run away from this question.
########
((This post is being written for the #BachpanWithFlinto blogger
contest. Flintobox creates award-winning discovery boxes filled with fun exploratory
activities and games for children in the age group of 3-7. If you wish to gift Flintobox
to your child, niece/nephew, or friend’s child, use the exclusive coupon code WELCOME
to avail Rs. 250/- off.))