INDIA: Harassment of Elders Discussed at Goa Symposium

MAPUSA (Navhind Times), April 25, 2006: Nowadays elders are subjected to physical and psychological harassment by their own children but behaving well with one’s parents is next to the worship of Allah. Maulana Mohammed Iqbal Mullah, secretary of the New Delhi-based Jamaat-e-Hind (JIH) said this at a symposium on “Are elders our concern?” at Mapusa. The symposium was organised by the JIH, Mapusa unit on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad recently. Mr Mullah, who presided over the symposium, quoted extensively from the Holy Quran and the Hadith and said that “The one who does not respect the elders and does not love the young, is not among the believers.” Mr Mullah also said that materialism and moral degradation has largely contributed to the present situation. Science and technological research can give us good roads, airports etc. but it cannot give us peace. The only way to achieve salvation is through the revealed message of the creator. Therefore there is no way but to accept the message revealed through the Prophets, Mr Mullah said. Ms Shanti Maria Fonseca, social activist and High court advocate, said that the type of economic system adopted by our society has led to the alienation of the older generation. She shed light on various constitutional provisions and the benefits available for senior citizens. Mr Venkat Ratnam, IAS (retd) said the present educational system and the social system is responsible for the disrespect shown towards the elderly people by the young generation.