That Special Bond

I can remember well when I was a kid of about-4 years, my grandfather used to take me to watch the fire-works and burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkanan and Meghnath on Dessara. He used to put me on his shoulders so that I could watch the entire scene of the effigy-burning very clearly, perched on his shoulder it was not at all comfortable to carry so much load on his shoulders at that age but It was his affection for his grandson that gave him both, the strength as well as pleasure, rather than pain. I still remember that annual ritual very well. and remember having asked him why those effigies were being burnt, and he used to tell me: Ravan, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran were bad men inflicting pain and suffering to people. Therefore their effigies were being burnt on Dassera to celebrate victory of goodness over evil.

All such learnings I inherited from my grandfather, I acquired through pleasurable activities with them and have remained with me through my life. Now I realize when I am a grandfather that we as grand parents can, and should play an important role in the character building of our grand children, through engaging ourselves in activity that brings joy to our grandchildren as well as to ourselves. Society is passing through testing times and increasing crimes and it is frightening that young educated children from educated families are sometimes involved in these crimes, whether it is crimes against women, kidnapping, murder, rapes, etc.

Crime rate by juveniles is increasing year after year. This only means that our children need to be engaged in fun activities that are also meaningful and character-building, to keep them away from undesirable influences. Today, both parents are often working and they are not in a position to devote much time with their children. The grandparents have time on their hands, a wealth of experience to share, tons of love for the grandchildren, and above all, the SPECIAL BOND between grandparents & grandchildren and the charm that dissolves all generation gap.

We have all witnessed the comfort grandchildren enjoy with their grandparents whilst listening to stories, playing games and going for outings. It is a win-win situation. As grandparents our time is fruitfully spent, we derive pleasure from seeing our grandchildren happy, at the same time, we derive satisfaction that we are helping shape their Value System and their future.