Man can be destroyed but not defeated, as per the statement of the renowned 20th century American Writer Ernest Hemingway. In his works, the protagonists stand for GRACE UNDER PRESSURE, featuring the real masculine qualities.
Not only did his heroes live up to his maxim, but also many historic figures challenged the odds of their life and proved their vitality. The legendary personalities of Indian epics Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Arjuna, Karna, King Sibi, Satyaharischandra personify the principle GRACE UNDER PRESSURE; while the emperors like King Ashoka, Chandra Gupta Maurya, Sri Krishnadevaraya, Rani Rudramadevi and others made their mark in history, proving their mettle.
Since a time ago, we were told that Jijiya Bai, mother of King Shivaji inculcated in him the masculine qualities of valour, fortitude, Magnanimity etc. with her teachings.
The older generations flourished a lot despite the struggles and achievements of men and women notwithstanding their obstacles in life. Indian parenthood is a saga of hard work, tolerance, value-based ambience, courage, success etc. They used to nurture their children with ethics, bravery and discipline. The youth of yesterday’s generation brought fame and name to the country, besides leading a sustainable life. They are the manifestation of an all-round personality, representing emotional balance. They are never perturbed by the odds of life. Suicides are unknown to those days.
The recent decades witness a rampant trend, with an increasing number of suicides. Regardless of age, gender, or background, people resort to suicides, especially young people. Owing to the ups and downs of life, today’s youth couldn’t survive and most of them resort to self-killing. The emotional quotient is the predominant deficiency in their personalities.
Though the reasons might be mindless and idiotic, without hesitation, today’s youngsters, evidently the next generation are sacrificing their lives. To one’s surprise, the reasons like failing in the examination, breakups in love, unemployment, divorce, financial crisis etc. provoke people to suicide.
Apparently, there are a few changes in the lifestyle that contribute their part to this status quo.
The major one is the evasion of joint family structure, where a child’s personality can be moulded properly in the presence of all age groups of kith and kin, who can nurture a child with care and empathy, who can teach children and youth all the values and principles of life to contain and sustain the obstacles they come across in course of life. That’s why we hardly heard of suicides in the days ago.
The advancement of technology, which enhances the gulf between family members worsens the situation. Everyone is engaged with one or the other technical gadget, which doesn’t let the vent of their emotions open to others.
Even the lack of pastime like book reading has a strong impact on the minds of the youth. That’s why they never realize the most beneficial aspect of book reading that is sustainable living.
The other noticeable factor which aggravates this negative attitude is lack of exercise that is physical fitness.
A FEEBLE BODY WEAKENS THE MIND.
It’s high time for all of us to look into this plight with serious concern. Let’s all join in a concerted effort to safeguard our youth from these grave circumstances.
The ultimate dictum of life is LIVE THE LIFE.
Dr. K Sarojadevi
Discussion about this post