The Alarming Trend of Abandoning Parents: A Cry for Respect and Love
By: Javid Amin
In recent years, there has been a distressing rise in the phenomenon of children abandoning their aging parents. It is a bitter truth of life that youthfulness fades with time, and old age renders people helpless and dependent. As the body becomes feeble and wrinkles appear on the face, parents enter a phase of life where they are in need of care and support.
Parents hold a significant place in our lives, and they are often equated to gods. A mother, in particular, endures the pain of carrying a child in her womb for nine months and going through the arduous process of childbirth. From the moment a child comes into the world, parents start envisioning their future and invest their time and efforts into nurturing and raising them. They sacrifice their own dreams and stay awake at night to ensure the well-being of their children. They bear their sorrows and face any challenges that come their way to secure a better life for their offspring. Their only wish is to provide the best for their children, regardless of the difficulties they may face.
However, it is disheartening to witness a growing number of children turning their backs on their own parents. Fathers go to great lengths to provide for their children, while mothers shower them with unconditional love. Yet, we see cases where elderly parents are mistreated, thrown out of their homes, or subjected to physical abuse by their own children. It is truly heartbreaking to imagine such scenarios.
In our valley, we often observe that when a son gets married, his attitude towards his parents undergoes a significant change. He begins to assert dominance and occupies the entire house, often displaying annoyance at the presence of his parents. Unfortunately, this behavior is not limited to sons only, as daughters have also learned to neglect and ignore their mothers. When parents face health issues or require medical treatment, their children often fail to provide the necessary support. Parents may feel burdened and pressurized, yet they hide their pain from the world, fearing society’s judgment.
This year alone, we have witnessed numerous cases where sons have resorted to violence against their own mothers. It is truly disheartening, as parents expect nothing more than love and respect from their children. They long to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones and to share their hearts’ desires. It is disheartening to witness the increasing selfishness among children, who are failing to recognize the immense sacrifices their parents have made for them.
The establishment of old-age homes in every district of Jammu and Kashmir is an alarming development. We are shocked to realize that a time has come when parents will be left alone, deprived of the presence and support of their children during their final moments. Every religion teaches us to love and respect our parents, as they hold a special place in our lives. It is essential to recognize that the same fate may await those who mistreat and abandon their parents when they themselves become parents one day.
Mercy and blessings will not be bestowed upon those who maltreat their parents. Heaven lies under the feet of a mother, and a father is a door to heaven. It is crucial to instill respect for parents and treat them with love, care, and compassion. Let us strive to create a society where the elderly are honored, cherished, and supported, so they can live their remaining days in dignity and love.
