Friday, January 6, 2017

Are the Spaniards more family oriented than us, Indians?

I was always under the impression that we'd a rich cultural heritage and a robust value system rooted in family ties and camaraderie. The joint family system still exists in many parts of the country underlying the fact that an average Indian gives great importance to relationships. Paradoxically, even the so called honour killings one hears of in certain parts of the country flows from the strong family bonds that exist!

The joint family system, however, has been disintegrating steadily and nuclear families have become the order of the day, perhaps, highlighting the increasing influence of the factor of selfishness that govern us which doesn't favour providing help to one's siblings that aren't well off...... Sad!

I'd come across a very interesting article recently about the manner in which the elders are looked after by their young ones in Spain and I believe that there're lessons for us to emulate in the increasing trend of dumping one's elders into old age homes, in India.

The Fact file.

     (a) Population of Spain                               46,064,604(As of 2016).
     (b) No of people aged 100 yrs and above       > 17,000.

A few more interesting information:-

         * Most of the 100 yrs and above category of people showed a zest for life and an interest in
            pastimes from amateur dramatics to playing the piano.
         * Majority of the elderly people are surrounded by family or have loved ones calling in on
            them daily, showing how Spain continues to be a close-knit society where family ties are
            of paramount importance.
         * When questioned about their most vivid memories, many recalled the Spanish Civil War
            from 1936 to '39 that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths followed by the 36 year
            dictatorship of Francisco Franco.
         * Tips for long life ranged from a spoonful of honey a day to a regular intake of 'gazpacho' -
            a traditional cold Spanish soup from tomatoes and cucumbers!
         * Also, inhalation of the 'pine resin' keeps the common cold and and the breathing difficulties
            away(The lady of the house puts a jar of the resin under the bed of the sick!)


Tailpiece.

And all this while, we took pride in the fact that we're the most family oriented in the world! We'd better learn from the Spaniards, a lesson or two on this aspect!

PS.
The brilliant actor, Om Puri, is no more with us as he passed into the mist of time this morning. I remember seeing the movie, 'Ardh Satya', years back and being deeply disgusted with the system and empathised with Sub Inspector Anant Welankar on his helplessness and anger from within! So convincingly had he portrayed the character that it has been indelible even as I write this.

RIP, Om Puri! My tears and prayers for a great actor and here's wishing that your family has the strength to tide over these difficult times.

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