It was a very large, wealthy family with parents and seven children. A priest, an IAS officer, an AIR engineer, doctors and a very prosperous farmer- all enjoying high positions in society. Their father was a retired army officer. The family lived in great affluence. Very soon the father was stricken with geriatric diseases. One morning he was fully paralysed and was admitted in a prominent hospital in the city. The doctor’s verdict was that he would not recover from his paralysis. Medical science could do nothing more for him. A nurse was arranged for to take care of him. As the father lay dying, the children were feasting. Only the home nurse was available to provide the necessary care. How tragic it was! Hardly any love or care was given to the father by his own children. One day the doctor advised that the patient be discharged and taken home. But the presence of the bed-ridden father would affect the prestige, pomp and splendour of the children’s life style. They refused to take him home. In a few days, in the presence of the children, he passed away, with the home nurse giving him the last sip of water. On the next day came the news of the death in big headlines and with his photo on the very first page.

The book of Sirach gives some warning to those who have acted and are acting in this manner. "Those who honour their father atone for their sins. "Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard... A mother’s curse uproots their (houses’) foundations...go not glorying yourself by dishonouring your father...It is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother...help your father in his old age...even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despair him ...kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins...whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord" (3:3-16).

India has a glorious cultural legacy. Indian culture has been an inspiration and guide to others. Revere your parents, honour them like your God-these are special traits of our Indian culture. In the Vedas and Idihasas parents are equal to God: "Mathru devobhava"; "Pithru devo-bhava". In Manusmriti mother is the great temple, father is the great mantra. But in this computer age these Vedic verses are meaningless to us.

Today we cannot find parents in their homes. There are new buildings constructed to house them. They are called old-age homes-the prison where aged parents are deposited by their children. The unfortunate ones live as shadows with broken hearts without an iota of love from the children they gave birth to and brought up. Old age is a time when parents expect more care, love and protection from their children. But their busy children avoid and reject them.

Once I happened to talk to a rich man who claimed to have come into the renewal. He said it was impossible to attend to the parents in the midst of a busy schedule and lifestyle. Besides, how long can one give up one’s job if the parents are bed-ridden or are awaiting death? How long can he forgo his salary? A day will come when his children will ask the same question to him in a harsher and more cruel manner.

If only those who forget the past years and ignore their parents suffering from sickness, old age and helplessness, listen to the word of God from Sirach!