It is said that when one is dead and gone, people remember only the way he behaved with others during his lifetime.
Elders are supposed to try to be role models to the younger generation. A glance at the headlines in the newspapers or watching television channels for a few minutes, however, will convince us that it is not happening in real life.
The behaviour of people we choose to rule us from the Gramsabha upwards shows us that something is wrong. Even the highest legislative bodies of the country are forced to end their sessions sine die days before the original dates because of continuous disruption of the proceedings by some members. The live telecast shows the members of the ruling party speaking at the top of their voice, while uninterrupted slogan-shouting goes on from the opposite side. Rushing to the well of the house, they do everything from holding placards, snatching and tearing papers, throwing rule books at the presiding officers, overturning things on his table and many such things. Even marshals, male as well as female, are physically attacked. If disciplinary action is taken with ample proof offered by cameras, another dharna is staged. Unfortunately, such behaviour is not the monopoly of certain political parties. Those who criticise them now will do the same thing when the roles are reversed.
Panel discussions on important developments are conducted by various television channels in an equally irritating way. I have stopped viewing most of them or mute the voice when some participants speak. I enjoy their fierce expressions and gesticulations. Most of them seem to have been advised the best debater is the one who doesn’t allow the opposing party to speak.
It is common to see two or more participants shouting simultaneously, making it impossible to hear what they are saying. Women participants are equally guilty. The anchor himself often becomes a part of the shouting match. It is rare to see such debates being conducted in a civilised manner by allotting a few minutes to each speaker with the clear understanding that his voice would be muted when the time is over. Those who remain silent till they are invited to speak are hopelessly outnumbered in any discussion.
Some political parties have made it a rule that their members won’t be considered for offices of profit beyond a certain age. Most of those who are at the brink of being designated as venerable ‘advisers’ do not seem to agree with this provision.
Being no good at anything except politics, they feel it is their right to be in power till death. When parties dig their heels, they start airing their views against the known official line hoping an opposing party would welcome them. Some even form another party of their own, however, short-lived it may be.
It is a fallacy to believe that one becomes mellowed over time. I know several elders who have not changed for the better even after becoming ‘senior citizens’ or ‘very senior citizens’. I dread a visit from such friends who repeat the same old stories that have been told umpteen times.
